Juventus eye Antonio Rudiger as Real Madrid consider new deal

Juventus have reportedly asked about signing Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger on a free transfer this summer, as the German enters the final stretch of his contract at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Journalist Nicolo Schira claims the Italian giants are exploring whether a move could be possible, with Luciano Spalletti keen to make Rudiger the leader of his backline next season after previously working with him at Roma.

Rudiger’s future in Madrid has been the subject of mixed reports, largely due to his age and some fitness issues earlier in the campaign. However, the 33-year-old has since returned to form and re-established himself as a key part of Carlo Ancelotti’s defence. According to Spanish media, that resurgence has made a contract extension increasingly likely, with Real Madrid now inclined to keep him beyond the summer.

Even so, interest from abroad remains strong. As well as Juventus, Rudiger is thought to have proposals from Saudi Pro League sides and two Premier League clubs, giving him several options should talks with Madrid stall in the coming months.