The January transfer window has come and gone, but Chelsea fans are no closer to knowing whether star defender Antonio Rudiger will stay at the club.
The Germany international has formed a pivotal role in Thomas Tuchel’s side and was crucial to winning the Champions League last season.
Although the Stamford Bridge side is now out of the race for the Premier League.
There are still trophies up for grabs this season, and Rudiger will be vital to Chelsea challenging for them.
So will the central defender be staying put in the summer, or will he part ways with the London club when his contract comes to an end?
Rudiger stays at Chelsea.
While Rudiger may still be putting on good performances every week.
The situation at the club hasn’t changed: the defender still hasn’t signed a new contract.
According to reports in England, the player is currently on a deal that earns him £90,000 per week.
Nevertheless, he received an offer to increase his salary to £140,000 per week.
However, before the turn of the year, Rudiger turned down such an offer and demanded no less than £200,000 per week to stay at Chelsea.
Sky Sports reported that discussions between the player and the club had stalled entirely this week.
And that there had been no further talks over a new contract.
Whether or not the club will accept such demands and make Rudiger one of their highest-paid players remains to be seen.
But since January, the defender has been able to speak to other clubs and compare offers.
Real Madrid.
If Rudiger does decide to leave Chelsea in the summer, it seems as though Real Madrid have positioned themselves as the favourites to sign the central defender.
The Guardian says the Spanish giants have already held positive talks with the Chelsea star.
Since the January window, Chelseas intended to sign him for free at the end of the season.
Madrid has money to play with this summer after refusing to spend big on transfers over the past two or three years.
Madrid could offer Rudiger better terms than Chelsea and potentially a new challenge that may entice him more than staying put in London.
Paris Saint-Germain.
One club with the means and intention to ruin Madrid’s summer plans is undoubtedly PSG.
Indeed, according to the Daily Mail, the French giants hope to “hijack” Madrid’s plans to sign Rudiger in the summer by blowing them out of the water with their offer.
PSG certainly needs some additional talent in the centre of their defence.
However, if the club can convince Rudiger that they’re better suited to challenge for future Champions League titles.
It may prove to be enough to see Rudiger make a move to France in the summer.
Manchester United.
One English club that may throw their hat into the ring for Rudiger’s signature is Manchester United.
Which now has a notable advantage over their competitors when convincing the player to leave Chelsea.
According to the German newspaper BILD.
Man Utd manager Ralf Rangnick has a strong working relationship with Rudiger’s agent.
And his half brother Sahr Senesie could direct the player to make him consider a move to Old Trafford.
But, unfortunately, man Utd is nowhere near Chelsea’s level in terms of challenging for silverware at the moment.
On the other hand, Manchester can persuade Rudiger that things are moving quickly under Rangnick.
So we can’t entirely rule out a move to Manchester just yet.
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