Antonio Rudiger Says Future Will Be Decided in 'Coming Weeks' Amid Chelsea Talk

AS Roma defender Antonio Rudiger has said his future will be decided in the "coming weeks" amid speculation he is on his way to Chelsea.

The Guardian's Fabrizio Romano reported on Friday the centre-back was set for a medical with the Blues this week ahead of a switch. According to Darren Lewis of the Daily Mirror, Chelsea will face late competition from Manchester City for the defender.

Speaking after Germany's Confederations Cup final win against Chile on Sunday, the man himself suggested things may take a little longer to play out than initially anticipated.

"It's not about the future now...it's now about enjoyment," he said, per Oliver Todd of MailOnline. "I need to enjoy this moment, and I'm enjoying it to the fullest. The rest we will see in the coming weeks."

Romano reported that Chelsea had a deal "done" for Rudiger, with the Germany international poised to sign on for five years at Stamford Bridge. It's added Chelsea may end up paying a total of €38 million (£33 million) for the 24-year-old. With that in mind, it would be a big blow if City were to somehow muscle in on a deal.

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After Rudiger helped Germany to a 1-0 win over Chile in St Petersburg, Russia, he posted the following snaps of celebration on his Twitter account:

It looks as though the defender is set for a busy few weeks, though, with Chelsea boss Antonio Conte seemingly isolating him as the man to bolster the base of the team.

The Blues' defence was imperious in 2016-17, with Cesar Azpilicueta, Gary Cahill and David Luiz excelling in a three-man rearguard for much of the campaign. However, with long-term captain John Terry now gone, the Blues need quality reinforcements in this area.

Rudiger won't be expected to fill the shoes of the illustrious skipper, although for the kind of money mentioned, Chelsea fans will want to see big things. 

As noted by Squakwa Football, the Blues would have another calm distributor in defence should he join up:

Additionally, Rudiger is physically cut out for English football, having bossed many a forward in the Italian top flight. He's a versatile player, too, able to do a job in either full-back berth if needed and, crucially for Chelsea, as part of a back three.

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There are parts of his game Rudiger will need to improve if he's to be a success in the Premier League. At times his concentration can dwindle, and he can be a little rash when trying to win the ball back in dangerous positions.

Lars Pollman suggested the Blues may be paying a little over the odds for the defender:

Rudiger will want to take some time to enjoy the Confederations Cup triumph with Germany, although you sense he will also be keen to get a transfer sorted swiftly if he is to move on.

Chelsea are putting a lot of faith in the young defender by paying so much for him, and it will be fascinating to see how he copes with the expectations that will be crafted by the fee. Encouragingly for Rudiger, Conte is an ideal coach to aid the next stage of his development.