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Pundit hails Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger as perfect David Moyes defender amid West Ham links
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie is thrilled with speculation that West Ham are plotting a move for Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger.
WestHamFans.Org reported last week (22 November) that Rudiger, 28, was being lined up by the Irons after Angelo Ogbonna sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the 3-2 win over Liverpool earlier this month (7 November).
The Germany international’s Stamford Bridge contract expires next summer and thus the Blues could be forced to sell him in January in order to avoid losing him on a free transfer.
Rudiger is said to be holding out for £200,000-a-week, £50,000 more than Chelsea have offered, and ex-Irons star McAvennie has given his backing for the 2021 Champions League winner to make a London Stadium switch.
“Rudiger’s a good player, he’s David Moyes’ kind of player,” McAvennie told West Ham Zone. “No airs and graces, he goes and wins the ball, he’s a hard-working player.
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“He would fit right into the West Ham way of playing at the moment. I’m all for bringing good players and Rudiger is definitely a good player.”
West to East?
Given Rudiger’s current status as one of the best centre-backs in Europe, it may seem strange to cross the London divide.
However, moving to the Irons would allow him to stay in the capital and possibly continue in the Champions League, if Moyes’ side can keep up their early-season form.
Rudiger has made 12 Premier League appearances this season, scoring twice.
In other West Ham news, UEFA took major financial action over the Irons on Tuesday.
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