Antonio Rudiger ‘wants Chelsea stay’ after rediscovering form under boss Thomas Tuchel… but ‘is willing to see out final year and leave for free’ if the Blues don’t negotiate
- Defender Antonio Rudiger is hoping to extend his stay as a Chelsea player
- The 28-year-old was down and out under former boss Frank Lampard
- Thomas Tuchel’s arrival sparked a second wind for his Stamford Bridge tenure
- Reports claim Rudiger wants news terms but is willing to run down his contract
Antonio Rudiger has reportedly expressed a desire to pen new terms at Chelsea and commit his long-term future Stamford Bridge.
The Germany international, who appeared badly out of favour under former boss Frank Lampard, recaptured his form following the arrival of Thomas Tuchel and finished the campaign with a starting spot in the Champions League final.
Now, fresh reports indicate the 28-year-old is ready to sit down and talk about a contract extension – but is also ‘willing to see out the final 12 months of his deal and leave for free next summer’ if nothing materialises.
Antonio Rudiger is reportedly hopeful of penning a new long-term deal with Chelsea
Sky Sports claim the defender is hoping his representatives soon begin discussions for a new long-term contract in west London, given he has a year remaining on his existing deal.
Should a breakthrough not be reached however, it is reported Rudiger will not seek out a move this summer but will complete his contract before becoming a free agent in the summer of 2022 and assessing his options.
It has been noted that Chelsea were in the process of extending Rudiger’s deal ahead of the January transfer window, in order to protect his value ahead of a proposed loan move.
Rudiger came back into favour under Thomas Tuchel and started the Champions League final
The stalling of his Chelsea career under Lampard meant the club were keen to get him game time, with north London rivals Tottenham even inquiring about his availability.
European heavyweights AC Milan and Paris Saint Germain had also made their interest known.
During Lampard’s time as manager rumours had gathered, suggesting Rudiger was a disruptive presence in the dressing room and did not see eye-to-eye with the manager.
Upon Tuchel’s arrival to replace Lampard, Rudiger took a swipe at his former boss by loudly stating that the newcomer ‘knows what he wants.’
The German had a strained relationship with former boss Frank Lampard and lost his place
In April, despite breaking back into the Chelsea fold Rudiger had to be dismissed by Tuchel following an ugly training ground bust-up with goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, for which the German publicly apologised.
The row kicked off during a small-sided game when Rudiger went in late on Kepa, who reacted badly but was allowed to see out the session.
Tuchel described the incident as ‘very serious’ after the pair had to be pulled apart by shocked team-mates, but later went on to accept Rudiger’s apology and did not issue further punishment.