Antonio Rüdiger Set to Extend Real Madrid Stay Despite European Interest

Antonio Rüdiger is set to sign a contract extension at Real Madrid despite interest from across Europe, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

Our sources have been told that a number of clubs in Europe’s top five leagues are eager to sign the 33-year-old, whose contract at the Bernabéu expires in the summer.

But sources in Spain understand Rüdiger is on course to extend his stay with the La Liga giants having overcome troublesome knee issues.

Italian sides Inter Milan and Juventus are eager to sign the defender.

Juventus boss Luciano Spalletti wants to be reunited with the German international, who he previously worked with at Roma.

News outlets in Italy have reported Spalletti wants the former Chelsea centre-back to lead his defence and is willing to offer him a two-year deal.

There is also interest in England with Liverpool one of the clubs who are monitoring his situation at Real. 

But sources in Spain say Rüdiger’s preference has always been to stay in Madrid if the club committed to a new deal. 

Future Set To Be Decided

Rüdiger travelled to see specialists in London earlier this season to find a solution to his persistent knee niggles.

And his physical progress has convinced Real bosses to extend his stay at the club with another multi-year deal having proven his fitness and reliability in recent weeks.

Speaking about the defender, boss Álvaro Arbeloa said: “I hope that Real Madrid fans realise how lucky we are to have him at this club.”

“I respect the club and the player, and they have to reach an understanding. But I would make a statue of Rudiger and put it in my garden... I have only great things to say about him.”

During his time at Madrid, who he joined as a free agent when his Chelsea contract expired, Rüdiger has won one La Liga title, one Champions League and one Copa del Rey.