Report: Tottenham ready to pounce on Antonio Rüdiger as Chelsea reluctant to meet defender’s demands

Over the summer, Tottenham Hotspur began the process of revamping its backline. Managing Director of Football Fabio Paratici purchased Cristian Romero from Atalanta BC to anchor the defense from his center-back position. 

The club chief didn’t stop there as in the final hours of the summer transfer window; he would land Emerson Royal as the right-back going forward. But, despite these additions, Paratici isn’t done fixing the defense.

According to Italian football journalist Gianluca Di Marzio (via Express), Tottenham is joining Manchester City as they talk with Chelsea defender Antonio Rüdiger. The 28-year-old’s contract expires in June, but beginning in January, Rüdiger can agree to a pre-contract. 

The report details that Chelsea is reluctant to give above £150,000 per week for Rüdiger as they do not want to break their current wage structure., which is why other clubs are ready to pounce.

Tottenham already having Romero, Paratici would like to dip into the free transfer market and grab Rüdiger to place him alongside the Argentine defender. 

The Germany international would bring a winning pedigree as Rüdiger has won a Europa and Champions League with Chelsea and an FA Cup. Meanwhile, with Germany, the defender helped his country win a Confederations Cup trophy.