PSG ‘express interest’ in signing Antonio Rüdiger, but only on loan — reports

It’s still a bit surprising that Antonio Rüdiger is the one who’s likely to make way from Chelsea’s group of five center backs (i.e. one too many), but just as with David Luiz last season, it does fit the trend. Chelsea are going young or world class, and Rüdiger at this point is neither.

But the manner of his exit is likely to fit the trend as well. Given the current economic situation, teams are getting (or having to get) “creative” in the market, which in practice just means more loans. Even mighty state-funded PSG are apparently only interested in such temporary deals.

According to both RMC Sport and the Telegraph, the French champions have “expressed interest” in signing the 27-year-old, but are only looking to do so on loan. RMC say that Chelsea would prefer a straight up transfer, while the Telegraph add that a loan would be acceptable but only if Rüdiger signed an extension to protect his value.

Matt Law’s report brings up the example of Michy Batshuayi to support that notion, though Michy was into the final year of his contract, so it was imperative that he sign an extension before heading out. Rüdiger still has two years left.

In any case, we have about 10 days to figure this out.