Chelsea aim to start contract talks with Antonio Rudiger before Euro 2020 to avoid allowing defender to enter final year of his deal at Stamford Bridge with Thomas Tuchel keen to keep him
- Chelsea risk allowing defender Antonio Rudiger enter final year of his contract
- There is a growing unclarity over the central defender’s future at the club
- New manager Thomas Tuchel is keen for Rudiger to remain at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea risk allowing key defender Antonio Rudiger enter the final year of his contract amid growing uncertainty over his future.
The Germany international has become one of Tuchel’s most integral players since the head coach’s arrival in January, helping the club back into the top four with a host of excellent displays in the heart of Chelsea’s defence.
Tuchel has overseen 12 games since his appointment, notching 10 clean sheets in the process – Rudiger has started in eight of those games.
Chelsea risk allowing key defender Antonio Rudiger enter the final year of his contract
The Germany international has become one of Thomas Tuchel’s most integral players
In fact, from his 20 appearances for the Blues this season – Chelsea has amassed 15 clean sheets.
Yet there is a growing uncertainty over the central defender’s future with his contract due to expire at the end of next season meaning the prospect of losing Rudiger for nothing next year now a looming possibility.
When Rudiger looked set for a loan move last summer as it emerged he would play a limited role under Frank Lampard, the club tried to extend his contract before allowing him to leave.
But the 28-year-old stayed, despite interest from Paris Saint Germain who were managed by Tuchel at the time, and discussions over a new deal were shelved.
Sportsmail understands the original plan was to discuss Rudiger’s future after the Euros
Sportsmail understands the original plan was to discuss Rudiger’s future after this summer’s Euros, where he is expected to play a lead role for Joachim Low.
Chelsea will aim to resume talks over a new deal for Rudiger with his excellent form likely to result in the club accelerating those discussions to avoid more doubt over his future heading into the tournament and the start of next season.
But, as of yet, no date has been set, with a number of major European clubs alerted to his situation ahead of either a move this summer or an attempt to secure Rudiger on a pre-contract from January.