Antonio Rudiger no closer to agreeing new Chelsea contract

Chelsea are no closer to agreeing a new contract with Antonio Rudiger, with his situation being monitored by a number of top European clubs.

The German international has excelled under the management of Thomas Tuchel, playing a key role in the heart of defence to help the Blues turn their 2020/21 season around to win the Champions League.

Rudiger had fallen out with previous boss Frank Lampard, but was immediately restored to the team once Tuchel took over the reins in January.

He has started this season in fine form, too, and Chelsea supporters had been hoping that he and defensive partner Andreas Christensen would be signing new long-term contracts - with both players' current deals up at the end of the season.

While talks with Christensen are ongoing, 90min understands the same cannot be said for Rudiger - whose representatives have barely touched base with Chelsea supremo Marina Granovskaia in recent months.

It's understood the last contract offer made to Rudiger fell well short of expectations, despite pleas from Tuchel to reward him with improved fresh terms.

90min has learned that Tuchel has made it clear to his bosses that keeping Rudiger is one of his main squad priorities, but with less than four months to go until he can field offers from abroad, the German is set to keep his options open.

At 28, Rudiger is coming into his prime and a number of top European clubs are already taking a keen interest. Ligue 1 giants PSG - who have operated smartly to land a number of high-profile free agents recently - are among those monitoring Rudiger, while Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Juventus and Atletico Madrid are also keeping tabs on the situation.

As for Premier League interest, Tottenham Hotspur remain admirers of Rudiger - having previously tried, and failed, to sign the former Stuttgart and Roma man.


Source : 90min