Real Madrid News
Real Madrid reach verbal agreement with Antonio Rudiger: Fabrizio Romano
Real Madrid are on the verge of securing their first signing of the new season, in the form of Antonio Rudiger, reports Fabrizio Romano.
The reliable Italian journalist has given his “here we go” for the club’s pursuit of the Chelsea centre-back, who has reached a verbal agreement with Los Blancos ahead of a Bosman move in the summer.
Rudiger is yet to physically pen a contract, but his representatives had met with Real Madrid’s hierarchy, where a verbal agreement has been reached.
The report comes a day after Thomas Tuchel officially confirmed the departure of the German at the end of the season. The Chelsea manager revealed the two parties could not reach an agreement over a new contract and will depart Stamford Bridge on a free transfer.
Romano adds Rudiger has agreed a long-term contract, though the exact details of the deal are still being worked on, with both parties optimistic about finalising the agreement in the near future.
Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus were some of the other clubs involved in the pursuit of the German international, but the race was won by Real Madrid, who are prepared to offer him a key defensive role alongside Eder Militao and David Alaba.
Rudiger himself has stated his desire to play for Los Merengues in the past, so his decision to move to Santiago Bernabeu this summer could hardly be a surprise.
The addition of the former Borussia Dortmund starlet could prove to be a massive boost for Carlo Ancelotti, who has struggled with his side’s lack of depth in the central defensive unit.
With almost 200 competitive appearances for Chelsea, Rudiger offers vast experience at the highest level of football. It is combined with his dogged defensive philosophy and leadership that could be pivotal in Real Madrid’s bid to restore their lost glory next season.
Arda Guler’s Real Madrid stint has not gotten off to the start he would have hoped to have given the expectation that preceded the transfer.
Having joined in the summer after Real Madrid outbid their competition to win him over from Fenerbahce for a 20-million-euro fee, buzz was high as the winger was expected to slot into the team quite seamlessly, albeit on a rotational basis.
Unfortunately for the 18-year-old, he has been constantly marred by injuries since completing the move.
Reports have stated that after Guler picked up his third injury since his move, Real Madrid have been concerned and want to take things slow with the player to ensure he is fit as soon as possible after an injury to his quadriceps this time.
The Turk is yet to make his competitive debut for the club, and Real Madrid even sacked their medical chief in November, in light of their injury crises since the beginning of the season.
No loan deal for Guler
However, according to Fabrizio Romano in a recent YouTube video, he states that Madrid maintain full trust and patience in the youngster.
Despite his bad luck with injuries, the latest of which he is scheduled to return from after Christmas, the Galacticos have no intention of loaning out Guler to Turkish clubs despite lots of speculation of them doing so of late.
Romano states that Madrid remain firm on not shaking things up too much with the squad, and they want to keep their roster stable, including Arda Guler.
They want to extend their full support and protection to the player as he aims to return to full fitness and finally make his bow for Madrid either by the end of this month or in 2024.
