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UCL winner makes big ‘top five’ claim over Chelsea star, delivers transfer verdict

Champions League and World Cup winner Jerome Boateng has made a big claim over the form of Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger.

The two centre-backs played together for Germany before Boateng’s exile from international football by Joachim Low in 2019. The Bayern Munich hero is now representing Lyon in France.

Rudiger, meanwhile, is an integral part of Chelsea’s recent success. He made 34 appearances last term as Chelsea won the Champions League for the second time in their history. This campaign, the defender has helped Thomas Tuchel’s men to win 10 of their 15 league matches.

During a recent interview with Goal (via Sport Witness), Boateng spoke about who stands out most in the national team. “Toni Rudiger. We are good friends and we talk often. I’m very happy for him that he has developed so well at Chelsea.

“When we remember where he was a year ago, sometimes on the bench, sometimes in the stands… and now he’s a guaranteed starter and playing at a world-class level because he believed in himself and remained patient. For me, he is currently the best German defender, and definitely in the top five at his spot in Europe.”

Attention then turned to Rudiger’s future. The 28-year-old is out of contract in June, which means powerhouse clubs such as Real Madrid, Bayern and PSG are eyeing him up.

It’s thought that Madrid have agreed a three-year deal with the player, although Chelsea are yet to issue a response to those rumours.

“I don’t have any [advice] for him, he’s big enough and will know what’s best for him,” Boateng added. “I wish him clear ideas when he makes his decision, but that will be the case.”

Reports on Tuesday revealed that Man Utd had registered their interest in Rudiger, in a shock turn of events. New interim boss Ralf Rangnick appears to be a big fan of the defender.

Chelsea man appears on Milan wish list

Meanwhile, Sports Mole, citing Sky Italia, write that Danish defender Andreas Christensen is a target for AC Milan.

They want to partner him with former Chelsea man Fikayo Tomori, who left Stamford Bridge on a permanent switch in the summer.

Christensen’s current deal expires in June, which means Milan can finalise a pre-contract agreement as early as January.

However, the Blues will not let him go without putting up a fight. Director Marina Granovskaia is in contact with the star’s agent over an extension and a wage increase.

Christensen has made 142 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions. His first goal for the club came in October’s 4-0 win over Malmo in the Champions League.

READ MORE: Latest Man Utd addition gives Rangnick double boost in shock Chelsea deal

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