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Barcelona director Mateu Alemany has confirmed holding talks with Antonio Rudiger’s agent, but insists the Chelsea defender’s future was not discussed during the meeting.
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel revealed following Sunday’s late win over West Ham that Rudiger intends to leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Tuchel suggested that Rudiger’s decision was influenced by the financial restrictions imposed on Chelsea while a new owner to succeed Roman Abramovich is being sought.
Barcelona are one of a number of teams to have been linked with the Germany international, along with fierce rivals Real Madrid, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain.
Speaking ahead of Barca’s home LaLiga clash with Rayo Vallecano later on Sunday, Alemany was probed about his side’s reported interest in the centre-back.
“We had a meeting with his agent, but he also represents other players,” Alemany told Movistar.
“We didn’t talk about his situation, but about many other things because his agent represents many players. It’s the house rule not to talk about players from other clubs.”
Barca have had to contend with financial limitation of their own, yet they were still able to sign Ferran Torres, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Dani Alves and Adama Traore in January.
And the Catalan giants, who will end 2021-22 trophyless, are expected to be busy in the upcoming transfer window.
“We already have advanced ideas,” Alemany said. “We will make a collective evaluation when the league ends or when our position is definitively set.
“Last summer was complicated as we were blocked at the ‘fair play’ level. Now we are satisfied with the coaching staff and we intend to make a leap in quality.
“Our desire is to make a competitive team for next year.”
