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We cannot say we didn't try our best in finding center back Antonio Rüdiger a new (temporary) home since five players for two slots in the starting eleven is one too many. But try as we might, it seems a move is just not meant to happen despite a plethora of options right in front of the German international.
Antonio Rudiger staying at Chelsea. Will now focus on trying to work his way back into Frank Lampard’s first team plans. More on @MailSport
— Sami Mokbel (@SamiMokbel81_DM) October 5, 2020
According to Daily Mail’s chief football reporter Sami Mokbel, Rüdiger will not be leaving Chelsea. Despite interest from AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham, and also an offer from West Ham (and being offered to return to AS Roma), none of the potential moves are expected to come to fruition in the closing hours of the summer transfer window.
Fans of Rüdiger will be happy to have the veteran still around to fight for a place in the starting eleven, and deputise in case one of our current starters, Thiago Silva and Kurt Zouma fall to injury or form. But fans of Fikayo Tomori, who would have been one of the prime candidates as substitute to the aforementioned players, will not be too happy about it.
Knock on of Rudiger seemingly staying is that Fikayo Tomori may be allowed out on loan. Not certain and Everton seems to be gone, but one to watch...
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) October 5, 2020
All in all, Rüdiger is still valuable as shown by the amount and the quality of the clubs who showed interest in his services. As long as manager Frank Lampard is able to keep players like him happy despite a potential lack of minutes until the winter transfer window, we should not have many problems going forward.