Spurs could land '£70m' star for free next year, fans should be buzzing

Tottenham Hotspur have had their fair share of problems in defence over the past few years.

With Cristian Romero now out long-term, new Spurs boss Antonio Conte has some thinking to do.

January could potentially see Tottenham look at fresh options at centre-back.

In the summer window, Conte could well opt to set about completely overhauling his defence.

And one top Premier League defender is seemingly set to leave his club next summer.

That player is Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger, who Tottenham have been linked with in recent weeks.

Eurosport reported in October that Spurs are amongst the Premier League clubs looking at the Blues ace.

As well as Tottenham, the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City have also been linked.

Unsurprising really, given Rudiger is a defender of the highest calibre with a superb CV.

Rudiger has become a key part of his club’s line-up, helping his side win the Champions League last season.

Thomas Tuchel’s appointment saw the 28-year-old return to prominence after links away the previous summer.

However, Rudiger is in the final 12 months of his contract at Stamford Bridge and negotiations are yet to yield a breakthrough.

Now, 90Min reports that Chelsea are resigned to losing the Germany international in 2022.

The outlet claims there’s still a big disparity between the club’s offer and the player’s demands.

As a result, Chelsea’s hierarchy has reportedly all-but accepted Rudiger won’t be staying.

Spurs target is “definitely leaving” – Paul Merson

Paul Merson recently wrote in the Daily Star that the Blues are effectively losing a £70million-rated player for nothing.

“Chelsea are going to miss Antonio Rudiger when he goes because it will take £60-70million to replace him,” wrote Merson.

“Rudiger is definitely leaving. If he wanted to sign a new contract he would have done it by now. There’s no chance he stays now.”

Spurs have a big fight on their hands if they are to sign him, but with Conte at the helm, they’ve certainly got a manager with pulling power.

And if Tottenham do manage to get their hands on Rudiger, he’ll surely arrive to much fanfare.