Chelsea have received bittersweet news regarding Antonio Rudiger’s future, which is attracting major European interest in the final year of his contract.
Rudiger, 28, was a rock in Thomas Tuchel’s three-way endlines. But in the final year of his contract, concerns began to grow that could be his last season at Stamford Bridge.
Indeed, a plethora of heavy hitters in European football have shown interest. The tastes of PSG, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are linked with Rudiger able to sign a pre-contract deal with foreign clubs in January.
Losing Rudiger is an unfathomable thought for Tuchel. Indeed, the manager recently reiterated that he hopes that a new contract can be concluded.
“I hope they find a solution but it’s not just between the coaches and the players and what we want,” said the manager. “It’s between the club, the player and the agent.
“He was excellent, a very consistent player at a high level, calm and focused. Everything is in place but sometimes the players need a little more time. This is nothing new on our side.
Tuchel could be disappointed after detailed report from Chelsea chief Marina Granovskaia’s plan to remove any doubt. In order to avoid losing the center-back for free, a January sale could be considered.
Now Bild reporter Christian Falk has delivered a double-edged sword update for the Blues.
Falk has confirmed that Bundesliga powerhouse Bayern have “contacted” Rudiger’s half-brother and agent Sahr Senesie. Moreover, he confirmed that Bayern were “interested” in acquiring the defender.
Bayern oversaw the free agent departures of David Alaba and Jerome Boateng this summer and only saw Dayot Upamecano come to the post in return.
However, in more positive news for Chelsea, Falk said Rudiger’s “trend” is to sign a new contract with the Blues.
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Meanwhile, Tuchel says there is no pressure on Kepa Arrizabalaga and has insisted there is a place at Chelsea for the £ 72million man.
Chelsea boss insists he’s happy with the Spaniard, who fell down the pecking order after Senegalese star Edouard Mendy arrived under Frank Lampard in 2020.
And while Tuchel also picked Mendy as No.1, he’s made it clear he wants to keep Kepa at Stamford Bridge.
“He didn’t have to prove to me that he is a good goalie. I see him every day in training, ”said Tuchel.
“Maybe that’s when he didn’t try too hard to convince everyone that he is worth the money the club paid for him.
“Who cares about the money? OK, the money has been paid, what now? The question now is, can we afford to have him as a goalkeeper?
“We have two super strong goalies and we need both. If you need proof, watch last weekend. He was a key factor in keeping our cage clean and it is that simple.
“Whether the money is too high or not or whatever, these measures don’t exist for us. I feel the pressure release from his shoulders. It is well deserved that it is on his shoulders, because it is not his fault.
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