BARCELONA have reportedly bowed out of the race for Antonio Rudiger after securing a new deal with defender Ronald Araujo.
Rudiger, 29, is out of contract with Chelsea in the summer and was linked to join the Spanish giants after initial talks took place last week.
Antonio Rudiger is set to leave Stamford Bridge in the summer when his contract expires Credit: Alamy
Ronald Araujo’s new deal at Barcelona is expected to last until June 2026 Credit: Reuters But according to Fabrizio Romano, a move for Rudiger now seems unlikely as the Catalan club have agreed terms with Araujo.
The Uruguayan’s new deal reportedly includes a release clause and is expected to last until June 2026.
Barcelona also plan to lure Rudiger’s team-mate Andreas Christensen to the Nou Camp on a free transfer this summer.
Both have been unable to sign new deals at Stamford Bridge since Chelsea were hit with sanctions from the UK government.
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Grand National free bets and sign up offers: New customer deals for Aintree A double-raid of the Blues defence has not been ruled out, but Barcelona are reportedly less keen on Rudiger with Christensen set to partner Araujo at the back next season.
Rudiger’s expiring contract at Chelsea currently pockets £100k-per-week, but the defender was reportedly demanding more than twice as much before the sanctions came in.
The German international is enjoying his best season in a Chelsea shirt under Tuchel this campaign.
Whilst impressing in defence, he has contributed four goals and four assists in all competitions.
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Rudiger has also been linked to Italian giants Juventus as a long-term replacement for Giorgio Chiellini.
The veteran is reportedly open to terminating his contract if it helps lure the Chelsea defender to Turin.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
