Antonio Rudiger having Chelsea medical TODAY ahead of £34million move as Antonio Conte finally lands a top summer target
Roma defender to become second summer signing after Willy Caballero and get Blues back on track in the transfer window
ANTONIO CONTE’S miserable week has finally picked up with Antonio Rudiger set for a medical today after agreeing a five year deal.
The Germany defender will then formally complete his £34.2 million transfer from Italian side Roma to become Conte’s first major signing of the summer.
Chelsea lost out on £75m striker Romelu Lukaku last week when fierce rivals Manchester United beat them to the punch.
The Premier League champions refused to pay the agent’s fee of £12m to middle man Mino Raiola and missed out on their top target.
Rudiger’s arrival will form part of Conte’s planned defensive reshuffle but his arrival is also a huge relief to the club.
Conte has so far signed only reserve keeper Willy Caballero on a free transfer from Manchester City.
The first team squad report for the start of pre-season training tomorrow and Conte can now start to begin his tactical rethink.
The Italian is considering moving energetic centre half Cesar Azpilicueta to play as a right wing back because of the Spaniard’s defensive qualities and remarkable fitness levels.
Chelsea transfer news
Irrepressible Azpilicueta played every minute of every match last season in the run to the title and FA Cup final.
Rudiger, 24, will play alongside Gary Cahill and David Luiz in the three man defence or in a back four with his Brazilian team-mate.
Rudiger can also play as a right back and played in a 1-0 victory over England against new pal Cahill in March.
Chelsea hope to follow up the signing of Rudiger by completing a deal for Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko.