First Liverpool, now Chelsea: Roma play hardball again

Matt Stead

Chelsea have opened talks with Roma over defender Antonio Rudiger, but the two sides are ‘some way apart in their initial valuations’.

The Premier League champions have identified Rudiger, who is a centre-half but can play at right-back, as a potential defensive signing this summer.

Numerous outlets report that the Blues will offer around £30million for the 24-year-old.

Roma, who proved difficult for Liverpool to bargain with in the deal for Mohamed Salah, are holding out for closer to £40m.

According to The Guardian, Rudiger’s adviser is ‘due to hold discussions in London’ over a possible move.

Chelsea have yet to make a signing so far this summer, but have generated over £60m in player sales. Antonio Conte sanctioned the sale of Nathan Ake to Bournemouth on Friday, and deals for Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko and Juventus defender Alex Sandro are progressing.