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Juventus Transfers: Real Madrid closing in on Bianconeri centre-back target

By James Cormack

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 17: Antonio Rudiger of Chelsea during The FA Cup Semi-Final match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium on April 17, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 17: Antonio Rudiger of Chelsea during The FA Cup Semi-Final match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium on April 17, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) /
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Antonio Rudiger is closing in on a move to Real Madrid. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Antonio Rudiger is closing in on a move to Real Madrid. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) /

Real Madrid are close to signing impending free agent and Juventus transfer target Antonio Rudiger after they reached a “verbal agreement” with the player over a summer move.

Rudiger has blossomed into one of Europe’s premier centre-halves since Thomas Tuchel succeeded Frank Lampard as Chelsea manager in January 2021. After helping the Blues to Champions League glory last season, the German international has enjoyed a stellar campaign this time around and he’s been courted by several of Europe’s top clubs regarding a transfer.

The defender failed to reach an agreement with Chelsea over a contract extension, and Juventus were one of several teams interested in signing the free agent this summer.

The Bianconeri, though, are set to miss out.

Juventus target Antonio Rudiger closes in on Real Madrid move

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid have reached a “verbal agreement” with Rudiger over a summer move. The German is yet to put pen to paper with Los Blancos, but Romano suggests that this deal is as good as done.

Juventus were certainly interested in acquiring Rudiger this summer, but the German’s lofty wage demands always meant a move was unlikely – despite claims last month that the defender had agreed to sign a four-year deal with the Bianconeri.

Juve are in need of reinforcements at centre-back with Giorgio Chiellini’s future up in the air. The wily veteran has another year left on his contract, but he could opt to hang up his boots or venture off to MLS.

Federico Gatti was signed from Frosinone in January and he’ll join the first team ahead of the 2022/23 campaign. There are high hopes for the Italian, who could become a regular next season if Juve don’t spend big at the position this summer.

Torino’s Gleison Bremer has also been linked with a move to Juve, but Inter Milan and Tottenham appear to be ahead of the Old Lady in that race.

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