Chelsea could look to cash in on Antonio Rudiger against the wishes of coach Thomas Tuchel.
The 28-year-old is in the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge and there has been little progress in discussions over a new deal.
Rudiger has previously talked up the prospect of signing a new deal at Chelsea, but the Blues are struggling to convince him to put pen to paper. The Germany international is said to be demanding a significant wage increase to remain in west London.
According to La Colina de Nirvion, Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia is prepared to part ways with Rudiger in January to avoid losing him for nothing next summer should no contract resolution be reached. Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are monitoring his situation.
However, there is also the possibility that no offers will arrive at the start of 2022. The likes of PSG, Bayern and Madrid could instead look to tie Rudiger down to a pre-contract agreement ahead of a free transfer in the summer.
The report adds that Rudiger’s sale could lead Chelsea to reignite their interest in Sevilla defender Jules Kounde. Chelsea refused to trigger the Frenchman’s £68m release clause. Sevilla manager Julen Lopetegui confirmed the club did not receive a suitable offer for the defender in the summer. However, there is optimism that Sevilla might settle for less in a future window.
Tuchel to be disappointed to see Rudiger leave Chelsea
Rudiger has established himself as a regular starter at Chelsea under Thomas Tuchel over the past 18 months. The German defender has played every minute of the 2021-22 Premier League campaign so far. He was also a crucial part of the Blues’ Champions League winning team last season. Tuchel obviously rates Rudiger highly and would no doubt be disappointed to lose him midway through the season.
The centre-back has made a total of 155 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions, scoring seven goals during that period.
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