28-year-old Chelsea star contemplating exit as contract negotiations not progressing

Antonio Rudiger pondering over Chelsea exit with no progress in contract talks

According to The Athletic, Antonio Rudiger is no close to signing a new contract with Chelsea and may be considering his future at Stamford Bridge.

Rudiger signed for Chelsea in the summer of 2017 from AS Roma in a deal worth an initial £29m fee. Since then, the German international has been a permanent fixture at the back for the Blues, barring the brief period when he was overlooked by Frank Lampard in 2020.

Rudiger played a key role in Chelsea’s resurgence under Thomas Tuchel in the second half of the 2020/21 campaign and was one of the Blues’ standout performers in the UEFA Champions League final vs Manchester City. Seen as one of the leaders of the dressing room, the 28-year-old, though, is staring at an uncertain future at the club.

Indeed, Rudiger is entering the final year of his contract with Chelsea and talks have been put on hold for the time being as he focuses on the UEFA Euro 2020 with Germany. Nevertheless, it is claimed that the defender could be considering leaving the club given that, at 28, this could be the last chance for him to get a big contract.

Rudiger is said to be wanting a four-year contract with improved wages as well, considering that he is outside the top ten earners at Chelsea, despite his stature within the dressing room. But in case that does not materialise, an exit is pretty much on the cards next summer, when he could leave on a free transfer. (h/t The Athletic)

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It is claimed that a number of top clubs in Europe are keen on signing Rudiger, especially if he becomes available on a free transfer next year. Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel, though, wants his compatriot to stay put at the club.

Chelsea, for their part, are lining up defensive reinforcements in case any of their current contingent leaves, with Niklas Sule emerging as a target. It remains to be seen how the Rudiger situation evolves in the coming weeks.