Report: Antonio Rudiger remains the prime target for Juventus to reinforce their backline

Chelsea center-back Antonio Rudiger remains the prime target for Juventus to reinforce their backline. The German international will be a free agent by the end of the season as his contract will expire this summer. The blues are unable to discuss new contracts with players due to the fines and sanctions imposed on the club, which is leading close to the departure of the German.

According to reports, the 29-years-old is seriously considering a return to Italy after 5 years. The Bianconeri see him as “the new Chiellini” and aims to get him next to De Ligt as the left-sided center-back. The defender is aware of the interest from many clubs such as Real Madrid, PSG, and Bayern Munich. He hasn’t decided on his future club yet and is still evaluating the situation. Rudiger is expected to make a decision this summer. However, The Old Lady has made a list of alternative options to bolster their defense in case the Chelsea player decides to join another club.

The Old Lady could sign a center backs from rival Serie A clubs such as Gleison Bremer from Torino and Nikola Milenkovic from Fiorentina. They are also interested in the Swiss defender Manuel Akanji who plays for Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund. Bremer is contracted to Torino until June 2024 while Milenkovic and Akanji are contracted to their respective clubs until June 2023.