Report: Barcelona interested in signing Chelsea’s key defender | OneFootball

According to reports from Fichajes.net, Barcelona are among the three clubs that are interested in signing Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger.

The German international is reportedly eyeing an exit from Stamford Bridge in 2022, and the Catalans are maintaining close tabs on his situation.

Rudiger was a crucial part of the defensive line in the Chelsea team that won the Champions League season. The London-based side have got off to a thunderous start to their campaign this time around too, and look to add more accolades to their name.

However, Thomas Tuchel is still said to be unhappy with the quality of defence. The manager is keen on signing Jules Kounde from La Liga to bolster the backline, and it is likely Rudiger would be displaced. That said, the player may be open to a move away from the club.

Barcelona’s defence has been the team’s Achilles heel for the past few seasons. Gerard Pique has not got younger, and other players of promise like Samuel Umtiti and Clement Lenglet faded quickly after their peaks.

Ronald Araujo points at a bright future amidst the chaos in defence. However, Eric Garcia is yet to cement his place and the Catalans could use other options.

Nevertheless, the economic situation of the club does not help their cause. Signing Rudiger would undoubtedly help boost the defence, but it remains to be seen if an economic agreement can be reached given the constraints.

Apart from the Blaugranas, Juventus and Tottenham Hotspurs are also said to be interested in the German centre-back.