Chelsea Transfer News: Antonio Rudiger Fee Reportedly Agreed

Chelsea have reportedly struck a deal with AS Roma for centre-back Antonio Rudiger, who could cost the club as much as €38 million, or roughly £33 million. 

According to Sky Sport Italia's Fabrizio Romano, the Germany international still has to undergo medical tests before the transfer can be made official:

The 24-year-old is currently on international duty and expected to start Sunday's FIFA Confederations Cup final against Chile.

Rudiger was a regular for Roma last year when healthy, returning to the pitch after a lengthy absence due to injury. He showed few signs of rust and played a key role for the Giallorossi on their way to a second-placed finish in Serie A.

He often paired with Kostas Manolas or Federico Fazio in defence, but also flashed his versatility by playing on the edge of a three-man defence. Chelsea used a 3-4-3 formation to devastating effects last season, and manager Antonio Conte likely wanted his signature due to his ability to function in such a system.

While Rudiger has tremendous physical tools for a centre-back, he struggled with positioning and concentration at times last season. Tottenham Hotspur reject Fazio frequently outplayed him, and Het Nieuwsblad's Vince Van Genechten noted Manolas did the same:

Rudiger has more upside and raw athleticism than either, however, and Conte has shown the ability to get the most out of his players and unlock their true potential.