The winter transfer window is finally open, and clubs have already started doing business to bolster squads. Apart from completing signings in January, big clubs are looking to reach an agreement with players that will become free transfers in the summer. Bayern Munich has also started the groundwork to sign one of the best center-backs in Europe.
According to Sky Sports in England, Bayern has opened talks with Antonio Rudiger for a free transfer in the summer transfer window. The German defender has only six months left on his contract at Chelsea. Apart from Die Roten, Juventus, Real Madrid, and PSG are also holding talks with Rudiger over a transfer in the summer.
Die Roten had touched base with Rudiger’s representatives at the start of the season. The German international also simultaneously held talks with Chelsea over a new deal, but there has been no breakthrough, which has eventually led to a lot of speculation.
Rudiger has performed exceptionally well under Thomas Tuchel in the last 12 months. The German international played a key role in Chelsea’s Champions League triumph. After tasting European glory, Rudiger has been one of the best center-backs in the Premier League this season.
The former AS Roma defender can become a valuable asset to any top team in Europe. He still has a few years left in his peak, which makes him one of the most coveted players during the summer transfer window.
Since Rudiger will be arriving on a free transfer, his wage demands are likely to be steep. However, it has been previously reported in Germany that Rudiger’s wage demands will not disrupt the wage structure at Bayern. Considering how attractive the sporting project is at Die Roten, Rudiger may end up in Bavaria if the club goes wholeheartedly ahead with the transfer.
Rekordmeister will have to once again dip in the center-back market since Niklas Sule is also in a similar position as Rudiger. The Bavarian club previously had doubts about handing him a contract extension. However, his resurgence under Julian Nagelsmann has forced Die Roten to rethink their strategy.
The defending Bundesliga champions opened talks with Sule at the end of 2021, but the late efforts are likely to go in vain. Multiple German media outlets have reported that Sule is thinking about moving away from Bavaria. The German international has been linked with a move to Premier League. It wouldn’t be a big surprise to see Rudiger and Sule swapping clubs in the summer.