Chelsea Transfer News: Antonio Rudiger Pursuit Expected, Latest Blues Rumours

Chelsea will move ahead with their interest in AS Roma centre-back Antonio Rudiger after the Italian giants completed the signing of the former VfB Stuttgart star. Plus, Blues owner Roman Abramovich is reportedly offering "unlimited funds" for the club's summer recruitment.

According to Italian outlet La Repubblica (h/t Calciomercato), Chelsea are ready to swoop for Rudiger less than a week after his transfer to the Stadio Olimpico became official, and Roma will sell for €25 million (£19.4 million).

Ettore Ferrari/Associated Press

Roma announced the news of the Germany international's permanent transfer on Monday, but it's been speculated for some time that the Serie A outfit would purchase his signature with the intention of turning a quick profit.

The 23-year-old spent last season on loan in the Italian capital and made 37 appearances across all competitions, with Gianluca Di Marzio translator David Amoyal noting Rudiger's later improvements:

According to Italian newspaper Il Tempo, the Giallorossi have already identified Lyon defender Samuel Umtiti as his replacement should the Germany international move this summer (h/t Football Italia).

Chelsea were recently boosted by the news John Terry signed a new one-year contract at Stamford Bridge, but the overriding sense is this will be his last season in west London. Squawka compared the Blues' 2015-16 success with the veteran in and out of their team:

Another report from La Repubblica newspaper claimed Rudiger's agent already met with Chelsea executives, and Roma would be willing to accept €22 million (£17.1 million) for their player (h/t Football Italia).

The Giallorossi looked set to make a swift, double-your-money profit on Rudiger, who has 10 caps for Germany and is preparing to feature at Euro 2016 this summer.

He could be just one of numerous high-profile targets making their way to Chelsea under incoming head coach Antonio Conte, too, following speculation the Italian will be handed a "blank cheque" this summer.

That's according to the Sun, and chief scout Piet de Visser has also said this summer will be a big one for the Blues in terms of their transfer activity (h/t Daily Star's Jamie Anderson):

"

Chelsea will have a very busy summer. Abramovich is desperate not to have another terrible season. Mr Abramovich had to pay an absolute fortune to get players like Didier Drogba and Michael Essien. This is why he has asked me to look for top class young players who will be the Chelsea stars in three years time.

"

It's understood Abramovich has been left unfulfilled by the 2015-16 campaign, as Chelsea finished without silverware and 10th in the Premier League, and transfers are the route back to the top.

Conte will be permitted to spend as he sees fit to fire Chelsea back into title contention, meaning Rudiger could merely be the tip of the iceberg in the west Londoners' pursuit of summer signings.