Real Madrid want to sign another Chelsea defender after agreeing Antonio Rudiger deal on lucrative four-year deal ahead of Chelsea departure

 

Real Madrid want to sign another Chelsea defender after agreeing Antonio Rudiger deal on lucrative four-year deal ahead of Chelsea departure

Rudiger’s free transfer to Madrid is set be announced very soon, ending months of speculation surrounding the German centre-back’s future.

But Los Blancos, who have a history of shopping at Stamford Bridge having bought the likes of Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois in the past, are also keen to sign right-back James.

Goal report that Madrid have already enquired about the 22-year-old’s availability but will not make their move until next year, when the England international is closer to the end of his Chelsea contract which expires in 2025.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Antonio Rudiger of Chelsea celebrates after scoring their third goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 19, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)

Antonio Rudiger has already agreed to leave Chelsea for Real Madrid in the summer (Photo: Getty)

James has been a star for his boyhood club since breaking through into the first-team in 2019, and has made 11 goal contributions in 21 league games so far this season.

He would be viewed as the long-term successor to Dani Carvajal as Madrid continue to acquire some of the best young players in the world.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side are currently focusing on securing the services of PSG forward Kylian Mbappe on a free, as well as young Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, who has also been linked with Chelsea and Liverpool.