Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti laughed off the opportunity to discuss his team’s reported transfer move for Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger.
The German is out of contract at the end of the season and will leave Stamford Bridge, as confirmed by Thomas Tuchel.
Madrid are the favourties to land Rudiger after reportedly outbidding Chelsea’s offer significantly, although Ancelotti would not be drawn on the rumours after his side’s Champions League defeat to Manchester City on Tuesday night.
“Toni Rudiger? Toni who? Who’s this?” Ancelotti smiled when asked about the subject by beIN Sports.
“He’s still a Chelsea player. I can’t say anything about this.”
"Antonio Rüdiger... Who is this?!" 😏
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) April 26, 2022
The reaction from Carlo Ancelotti should tell you all you need to know about that potential transfer!
🎤 @AndyKerrtv #beINUCL #UCL #MCIRMA
Watch Now 👉 https://t.co/NRYe31nXnO pic.twitter.com/jhcJdp3WcJ
Chelsea look set to enter the market for a number of new defenders this summer with Andreas Christensen said to be heading to Barcelona and Cesar Azpilicueta also out of contract.
Losing Rudiger is seen as a particularly big blow for the Blues with the centre-back a mainstay in Tuchel’s team since the coach’s arrival.
Chelsea midfielder Jorginho said of his exit: “He’s been here a long time so if he leaves we are going to miss him. He’s a big personality and he’s helped us a lot.
“We’ve had amazing times here, he’s a good friend of mine so if he leaves, not just me but everyone at the club will miss him.”
