CHELSEA appear to be closing in on the signing of Roma defender Antonio Rudiger.
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is desperate to strengthen his defence after releasing John Terry and selling Nathan Ake to Bournemouth in a £20million deal.
The Premier League champions have been linked with Juventus centre-half Leonardo Bonucci, Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk and Kostas Manolas of Roma.
But it’s Roma centre-back Rudiger who appears to be heading to Stamford Bridge this summer.
According to Sky Sports, Rudiger’s agent has this morning arrived in London to finalise the Germany international’s move to Chelsea.
Chelsea, who are said to have agreed a £34million fee with Roma last week, are expected to complete the transfer over the next 48 hours.
Rudiger was part of Germany’s Confederations Cup-winning squad this summer and helped Roma to a second-place finish in Serie A last season.
German football expert Raphael Honigstein reckons Rudiger’s move to Chelsea makes sense as Conte favours a three-at-the-back formation.
“He’s made huge progress since moving to Roma from Stuttgart,” Honigstein said on ESPN FC of Rudiger.
“I think he’s very much benefited from Italian mentalities as far as defending is concerned.
“He benefits from the new fashion of three at the back, which helps his game. He’s been tried as a right-back in the past which wasn’t really his forte.
“I think that’s where his game can really still improve. He’s had a great couple of years in terms of development and with a good coach and good team he can develop further.
“I don’t necessarily think he’s one of the best centre-backs in the world just yet.”
Source:www.express.co.uk