Chelsea Transfer News: Antonio Rudiger Interest Confirmed, Radamel Falcao Latest
The agent of Stuttgart defender Antonio Rudiger has confirmed Chelsea are interested in his client, but a potential summer transfer will be made complicated by the fact the talented defender would prefer to stay in Germany for now.
Speaking to German outlet Kicker (h/t ESPN FC's Jens Weber), Sahr Senesie confirmed both the Blues and Wolfsburg are interested in the 22-year-old, who appears to be on his way to the latter side: "I know of interest from Wolfsburg and Chelsea. Antonio would prefer to stay in Germany."
Rudiger was one of the Bundesliga's top breakout players of the 2013-14 season, and while injuries limited his playing time during the last campaign, he remains one of the most exciting young defenders in the world.
The youngster is ridiculously fast for a centre-back and has played as a full-back for the national team at times. Given his fantastic size—he's 6'3"—he's also a force in the air. Concentration has been an issue at times, but the same could be said for just about every young defender in world football.
Rudiger would be an excellent signing for Chelsea, providing great depth behind the duo of John Terry and Gary Cahill. He would form a great one-two punch with fellow youngster Kurt Zouma, who plays more like a battering ram and would complement Rudiger's skills well.
The problem is that it will be hard to convince the Germany international to move to Stamford Bridge, unless he's handed a spot in the starting XI. While he has been a regular part of Germany's national team of late, it's hard to see him pushing Cahill, Terry or even Zouma out of the team at this point in time.
For all of his talent, Rudiger still has some developing to do, and foreign players generally need some time to adapt to the Premier League. As great a signing as Rudiger would be, a move to Wolfsburg would be the right decision for the youngster.
Die Wolfe are an emerging force in Europe and should challenge for the Bundesliga title next season, giving Rudiger the opportunity to both showcase his abilities on the biggest stage and continue his development in a league and environment he knows.
That shouldn't stop Chelsea from lodging a bid, however, and with a little bit of luck, manager Jose Mourinho could welcome another potential star defender to strengthen his squad.
Radamel Falcao Reportedly Signs Contract
According to the Guardian's Carl Worswick, the family of star striker Radamel Falcao claims he has signed a contract with Chelsea and will join the club on a one-year loan deal, with the Blues holding the option to make the move permanent.
Falcao was always expected to leave AS Monaco during the summer after the club was hit by penalties for breaking financial fair play regulations, per Sky Sports, giving the French side the opportunity to move his massive wages.
Chelsea were immediately mentioned as potential suitors, and Bleacher Report's Andy Brassell was sure a deal would be done during the summer:
The 29-year-old struggled in his first full season back from a devastating knee injury in 2014-15, only scoring a handful of goals for Manchester United. He followed up that campaign with another disappointing showing at the 2015 Copa America, leaving many wondering whether he still has what it takes to be a top striker.
Bleacher Report's Tim Vickery commended his effort in Chile but noted he still fell well short of expectations:
With Chelsea, Falcao wouldn't be the unquestioned star, as he would likely start the season behind former Atletico Madrid team-mate Diego Costa, and perhaps such a scenario is exactly what the Colombian needs.
He was under tremendous pressure at Old Trafford, and that won't be the case at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea field a host of players capable of scoring. Given enough time, Falcao could work toward his best form and perhaps rediscover the deadly instincts that made him the world's top striker just a few years ago.
Even if he doesn't, there's little risk involved for the Blues. All signs point toward a one-year loan deal, so if Falcao flops, Chelsea can just send him back to Monaco. No matter how you look at this possible move, everybody seems to come out as a winner.
