Antonio Rudiger and Chelsea is one of those rumors that just simply won’t die, and thanks to recent events in Italy, is ready to be resurrected once again.
Roma defender Antonio Rudiger wants to move to the Premier League but it's for an unfortunate reason https://t.co/yqsMXcx2eW pic.twitter.com/F1CFlK61OI
— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) March 3, 2017
The “unfortunate reasons” are apparently the repeated racism that he’s facing, both form the stands and from peers, such as Lazio’s Senad Lulic, whose remarks about the Germany international in December “sparked outrage”. Lulic was later banned for 20 days for his “ethnically prejudiced” remarks, but that Lazio are at the center of a racism scandal is hardly surprising.
Having been “deeply upset” by these incidents, the Mail claims that Rudiger will now be seeking a move to the Premier League. Just a month and a half ago, Rudiger summarily ruled out a move away from Roma.
“I can only say that Conte is a great coach, but I chose to stay in Rome. We are competing on three fronts and we have to win a trophy. [...] I am as obsessed with winning as [head coach Luciano] Spalletti.”
-Antonio Rüdiger; source: Sky Sports Italia via Calciomercato
If those plans changed due to external influences and racist abuse, that would indeed be a sad situation.
The Mail claims that in addition to Chelsea, both Manchester clubs have recently been scouting the 23-year-old, who is rated around £30m. For Chelsea, the question however will have to be asked whether he offers a true upgrade to any of the current and incoming options in the squad.