Report: Chelsea defender wanted by Real Madrid in January

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Real Madrid have made Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger their number one transfer target, according to Marca via the Daily Mail.

The defender has been in stunning form for the Blues. In the last six months he has helped the club win the Champions League.

It would appear that becoming an integral part of Thomas Tuchel’s team isn’t enough, however.

He recently rejected a new deal worth £125,000-a-week deal. As a result, Chelsea could cash in on the centre-back during the January transfer window.

Losing him for free isn’t something the club will want to do and that could force the club’s hand when it comes to January.

After losing Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane, Carlo Ancelotti is desperate to bolster his defensive ranks.

He sees Rudiger as someone who can undoubtedly enhance his defensive options and could move in January.

The 28-year-old has enjoyed a trophy-laden time of things at Stamford Bridge. He has won two FA cup titles, the Europea League, Champions League and the Super Cup since arriving.

This news will undoubtedly rock Chelsea. Given that the club is in a good place, they must have presumed that Rudiger would be desperate to commit.

Rudiger will be a massive loss to the Chelsea ranks

The Blues won’t want to be replacing a player of Rudiger’s ilk during a tricky mid-season window.

That said, if he isn’t willing to stay then they have to protect themselves and selling him might be the only option.

Rudiger currently earns £100,000-a-week and that doesn’t sound a lot in the context of some of the club’s higher earning players.

Tuchel prides himself on his defensive unit and if Rudiger does go he will need to ensure that someone else comes in.

Real Madrid will have significant clout and given Rugiger’s form, his departure would be a massive blow.