Transfer News: Antonio Rudiger begins contract talks with Chelsea
Chelsea defender, Antonio Rudiger, revealed in an interview (h/t football.london) before the UEFA Super Cup match against Villarreal that he has begun talks with the club regarding a new contract at Stamford Bridge.
The 28-year-old defender was a regular fixture in Thomas Tuchel’s back three last season. The Blues won the UEFA Champions League, reached the FA Cup final, and finished in fourth place.
And the former AS Roma played a vital part in their journey, which is why fans expected the club to try and extend his stay in West London. His current deal expires in the summer of 2022, and he was the subject of interest from West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur in January. (h/t football.london)
But the defender has now confirmed that talks have begun with the club over extending his current deal. However, he did not provide an insight into whether he will accept it or not.
Rudiger to extend?
“As I said before, I wanted to concentrate on the Euros then after I come back, talks can start. That is what has happened for now. Talks have begun and we will see what time brings.”
The Blues’ defence is pretty solid as of now, at least on paper. Thiago Silva, Andreas Christensen, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Rudiger are all at the top of the pecking order.
But Silva and Azpilicueta, like Rudiger, are in the last year of their deals and Zouma is linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge. In light of that, keeping a solid centre-back such as Rudiger, who is still just 28, becomes important.
More Chelsea News:
- Chelsea ace Timo Werner reacts to the impending arrival of Romelu Lukaku
- Transfer News: West Ham reopen negotiations for Chelsea star Kurt Zouma
- Transfer News: Liverpool steal a march on Chelsea target Saul Niguez
Even if he does leave in the near future, Chelsea would hope that he signs some sort of an extension before it so that he does not leave as a free agent. But nothing can be said as of now, and the fact that contract talks have begun is positive news in itself.