Spanish giants Real Madrid parted ways with their long-serving center defender duo Sergio Ramos / Raphael Varane during the summer. The Frenchman moved to Manchester United in a 50 million USD transfer while the former captain joining Paris Saint-Germain for free.Their departure left a huge gap in Real’s back four – together, Ramos and Varane, who respectively spent 16 and 10 seasons at the Santiago Bernabeu – won three La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues.And among the defenders who have showed immense level of quality lately and are possible replacements for the above-mentioned two is Chelsea’s Antonio Rudiger. The German of Sierra Leone roots reportedly emerged as Real Madrid’s priority target for next summer as Los Blancos look to strengthen their backline.Sat, 16/10, 19.30: (8.00) BRENTFORD (4.20) CHELSEA (1.50)The 13-time European Cup winners believe Rudiger is the ideal candidate to fill the void, according to Spanish outlet ABC.Even though Real are top of La Liga alongside city rivals Atletico and Real Sociedad – it is worrying for Carlo Ancelotti and Florentino Perez that the team have already conceded 10 goals in eight games.Rudiger has played 159 games for Chelsea in all competition after arriving from Roma in 2017 in a 43 million USD transfer. However, he established himself as a key figure only after the arrival of Thomas Tuchel – under Frank Lampard, who got replaced in January last year, Rudiger did not have time or space to shine.Rudiger was instrumental in the Blues’ Champions League triumph last season and has continued with tremendous performances this year also.However, the 28-year-old could leave the West London club on a free transfer next summer.As his contract is expiring, negotiations have started between the defender and Chelsea but those talks came to a halt. There are growing concerns that the defender, who has also won two FA Cups, the Europa League and the UEFA Super Cup since moving to the Premier League, might decide to look for pastures new.Tomori finds his luck with Rossoneri after a disappointing spell at Stamford BridgeIn comes Real Madrid. And several other clubs, such as Bayern Munich. According to the report, Rudiger fits the mold of players that Real are actively pursuing – in their prime and coming to the end of their contract. Such was the case of signing David Alaba on a free transfer from Bayern during the last transfer window.Rudiger, who is away with Germany on international duty and has recorded 47 caps for the national team, was asked earlier this week to address rumours suggesting he was also on Bayern Munich’s radar.Timo Werner is expected to deliver the goods as his country chases World Cup qualificationSturdy defender remains committed to Chelsea for now but states that it is flattering to be linked with the Bavarian giants.’Of course (Bayern’s interest) honours me and proves that I’ve been doing things right,’ he said. ‘But I don’t let myself be distracted. ‘I have an obligation to my club to perform well. I have to prove myself every game and not let myself be distracted by rumours. I make my decisions for myself. They don’t depend on anyone. I feel good where I am.’Rudiger should be in the starting line up tonight as Germany face Romania while his obligations to Chelsea continue with their match against Brentford away next Saturday.
