Antonio Rudiger has cheekily admitted he would like Kai Havertz to join him at Real Madrid amid rumours that the Chelsea attacker could be on the move this summer..
The duo share a close friendship, having played together at Chelsea and the German national team. Rudiger opted against signing a new deal at Stamford Bridge and headed for the Bernabeu on a free transfer.
In his debut campaign, the centre-back won the Copa del Rey but ultimately came up short in La Liga and the Champions League. A summer rebuild is expected at Madrid, with several high-profile stars - including Karim Benzema - seeking pastures new.
Reports have suggested Havertz would cost around £70million, and football.london understands Chelsea would be willing to sanction an exit for the attacker for the right price. The 24-year-old expressed his disappointment when Rudiger left the Blues last summer - but admitted players moving on is part and parcel of the game.
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"It's not like I sit at home crying every night," Havertz said. "That's how it is to be a footballer, you just have to respect that.
"They're close friends of mine, and we saw each other every day for two years, so of course it hurts that they've taken a different path. But they're not out of the world, after all. We can still keep in touch and also see each other when we're with the national team. Taking that into consideration, it's okay."
Now, ex-teammate Rudiger has teased a reunion with Havertz in the Spanish capital. The duo were instrumental for the Blues side who won the 2021 Champions League final.
"I would be happy to play with Havertz again at club level," Rudiger told AS. "Unfortunately, I can not say much about it because, on the subject of transfers, my word is secondary. It’s the club’s decision."
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