Chelsea in talks to sign Roma defender Antonio Rudiger

By Michael Kelleher

Chelsea have begun talks with Roma to sign centre-half Antonio Rudiger, according to Sky in Italy.

Rudiger, who joined Roma from Stuttgart in a permanent deal worth £7.6m last summer, is currently on international duty with Germany at the Confederations Cup.

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is keen to sign a centre-back this summer following the sale of Nathan Ake to Bournemouth and the departure of John Terry.

Chelsea were expected to rival Liverpool and Manchester City for Virgil van Dijk but Southampton are refusing to sell any of their top players.

Rudiger plays primarily in central defence but is also comfortable at right back. The 24-year-old would provide a quality alternative option to Cesar
Azpilicueta on the right side of Chelsea's back three should the deal go through.

Chelsea were also encouraged this week to make a bid for Rudiger's Roma team-mate Kostas Manolas. The Greek international looked set to complete a £30m move to Zenit St Petersburg, but he did not arrive for his planned 7am medical on Wednesday.

Antonio Rudiger: The Chelsea target with an Arsenal soft spot

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