Chelsea have turned their attention back to Sevilla defender Jules Koundé as Antonio Rudiger edges his way towards Real Madrid.
That’s according to Mundo Deportivo, who say Madrid’s efforts for the German could push Koundé towards Stamford Bridge.
The newspaper explains that the Blues have ‘long been interested’ in the Frenchman and even reached an agreement with the player last summer.
That move eventually fell through due to Sevilla, who demanded that Chelsea pay close to his €80m release clause, something Thomas Tuchel’s side never did, only offering €50m.
Whether Rudiger will end up at the Bernabeu remains to be seen as there is a ‘major obstacle’ to that move at this moment in time; his wage demands.
The German star wants to ‘earn four times’ what he is currently earning at Stamford Bridge and become one of the highest-paid defenders in the world.
That’s a stumbling block, but if he and Madrid can get around and do a deal, it seems Chelsea have an old love lined up as a replacement.
