Chelsea have completed the signing of German defender Antonio Rudiger this Sunday afternoon.
Rudiger’s agent had been in London for talks with the Blues, and the Premier League champions were able to agree personal terms and complete the transfer from Roma this afternoon.
It's official! Welcome to Chelsea, @ToniRuediger! #WelcomeRudi https://t.co/AgtH7QzFde
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 9, 2017
#Grazie #ThankYou #Hustle #AlwaysBelieve #Rome #London pic.twitter.com/XDmKE096RX
— Antonio Rüdiger (@ToniRuediger) July 9, 2017
Rudiger was part of the German team who won the recent Confederations Cup – a competition which enhanced the former Roma players reputation.
Chelsea had a strong defence last season and this new signing is sure to add to this.
After winning last year’s Premier League title, the Blues have big European ambitions for the 2017/2018. Now with Rudiger, who was a key player in Roma’s run to second place in Serie A last season, perhaps next season will see Antonio Conte take Chelsea to the next level.
The deal is believed to be in the region of €38 million.
Antonio Rudiger can play on the left, right and in the middle of a three man defence. Great ball skills and physicality. #cfc
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) July 9, 2017
Welcome Rudiger.. pic.twitter.com/eZPuSdDBQF
— Uber Chelsea FC 🏆 (@UberCheIseaFC) July 9, 2017
The signing was praised by Twitter users, who were impressed by the German’s performances in Russia recently.
https://twitter.com/Mr_Bundesliga/status/884072068211507200
Antonio Rudiger. Very good signing for @ChelseaFC for £34 million! The big German CB joins from Roma on a 5 year deal.#EPL pic.twitter.com/caBrBdxaA3
— Dylan Moore (@MrCPT) July 9, 2017
Chelsea fans will be hoping that this isn’t the end of their summer business and you can be sure that there will be more big signings before the new seasons commences next month.
While this is not the signing of Romelu Lukaku that Blues supporters were expecting, this could turn out to be a good bit of business.
Joel Slattery, Pundit Arena
