West Ham United eye Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger

West Ham United are interested in signing Antonio Rudiger from Premier League rivals Chelsea in the summer transfer window, according to The Daily Mail. However, according to the report, the Hammers are wary that any approach for the central defender would mean that they could be drawn into negotiations over Delcan Rice, with the Blues interested in the England international, who can play as a defender or as a defensive midfielder.

Rudiger has been on the books of Chelsea since 2017 when he joined from AS Roma. Although the Germany international has done well on occasions for the Blues, he has failed to establish himself as indispensable for the London club. According to WhoScored, the 27-year-old made 19 starts and one substitute appearances in the Premier League for Chelsea last season, scoring two goals in the process.

West Ham could do with a new centre-back this summer, as manager David Moyes’s side struggled defensively last season.