Chelsea Transfer News: Antonio Rudiger Talks Reported, Latest Blues Rumours

Chelsea are reportedly in negotiations with AS Roma regarding a deal to sign centre-back Antonio Rudiger as the club looks to replace long-time servant and captain John Terry.

Sky Sports journalist Fabrizio Romano disclosed news of the alleged talks on Friday, soon after BBC Sport confirmed Chelsea defender Nathan Ake had joined Bournemouth in a £20 million deal:

Romano later added the offer from the Blues was €33 million with €5 million in add-ons. 

Blues manager Antonio Conte was linked with interest in numerous Serie A centre-backs last summer before settling on a deal to re-sign David Luiz from Paris Saint-Germain, but it appears defence remains a priority in 2017.

Football Italia added fuel to the fire after reporting Rudiger's agent was en route to London for talks with Chelsea regarding a move after Kostas Manolas' speculated switch to Zenit St. Petersburg fell apart.

Conte's remoulding of the Chelsea defence has been without doubt his greatest feat at Stamford Bridge, successfully deploying Marcos Alonso and Victor Moses in wing-back roles either side of an inspired three-man defence.

But with Terry now leaving west London after 22 years at Chelsea, the manager needs more elite options at his disposal, and Di Marzio reporter David Amoyal is a big fan of Rudiger's:

The Germany international is expected to line up against Chile in Sunday's 2017 Confederations Cup final after he helped Die Mannschaft defeat Mexico 4-1 on Thursday evening to advance to the decider in Russia.

The Mirror's Darren Lewis reported in April that Chelsea had seen a £60 million offer for Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly—who was linked with a move to west London last summer—rejected.

It therefore makes sense that talk of a push to sign Rudiger has intensified since then, considering the two defenders are built in similar moulds, with Conte presumably looking to add a strong, physical force to his options.

Gary Cahill, David Luiz and Cesar Azpilicueta were counted among some of the Premier League's most consistent stars en route to last season's title win, but Rudiger's arrival threatens to add new competition among the back line.