Chelsea are still far from reaching an agreement over a new contract with Antonio Rudiger as Real Madrid eye a free transfer swoop for the defender, according to Fabrizio Romano.
In a just few weeks, the 28-year-old, whose contract will expire at the end of the season, with Chelsea is free to speak to foreign clubs over a potential summer free transfer move.
It is safe to say the Blues are under pressure to reach an agreement before January if they want to avoid entering contract bidding wars.
Although, based on Romano’s claim, it seems there are not many clubs able to meet Rudiger’s wage demands.
“Antonio Rudiger [is] in talks with Chelsea over a new contract [for] months, but the agreement still ‘far from being reached,'” the Italian transfer expert wrote on Twitter.
“Real Madrid want to sign him as a free agent.
“Bayern[Munich] have no plans to pay the salary asked by Rudiger, as things stand. Tottenham Hotspur [are] not in the race.”
Thiago Silva’s new Chelsea contract ‘a matter of time’
As it stands, four Chelsea centre-backs; Rudiger, Thiago Silva, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Andreas Christensen, are in the final months of their contract with the Blues.
Earlier, Romano also claimed that Chelsea are “preparing” a new contract proposal for Thiago Silva.
“New deal until June 2023 to be completed soon,” he added regarding Silva’s contract situation.
“Sources see his contract extension as ‘a matter of time’.
“Thiago Silva wants to stay as he’s loving Chelsea life — the board and Tuchel are ‘super happy’ with him.”
Considering the Brazil international’s performances so far this season, it is hardly a surprise that Chelsea are keen on keeping him.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
