Transfer News: London rivals could revisit interest in Chelsea’s 28-year-old star if new contract isn’t signed

Transfer News: Tottenham Hotspur could target Chelsea ace Antonio Rudiger again

According to The Express, Tottenham Hotspur could reignite their interest in Antonio Rudiger if he fails to sign a new deal at Chelsea in the near future. 

The German has entered into the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge and is yet to sign an extension on his current deal. This means he could be available as a free agent next year.

Rudiger was key to Chelsea’s success in the Champions League as well as their push towards finishing in the Top 4 last season. Additionally, the German also played a crucial role in helping the West London club reach the final of the FA Cup, where they ended up losing to Leicester City. 

However, the German has not lost a beat this season and has been a pivotal reason for the club conceding only 1 goal in 6 games across all competitions. Thus, Tuchel might not want to lose his star defender just as of yet.

Although the centre-back has not signed a new deal yet, there have been talks between the club and the player. However, the 28-year-old seems determined on a £200,000-per-week salary, but the Chelsea hierarchy are only willing to offer Rudiger £150,000-per-week, according to ESPN (h/t The Express).

Thus, if the Blues cannot get the player to sign an extension by January, he will be allowed to talk to foreign clubs over a pre-contract agreement. Tottenham Hotspur are said to be one of those clubs who are interested in orchestrating a deal for the German despite signing Argentinian centre-back Cristian Romero from Atalanta this summer. 

More Chelsea News

• Petr Cech explains ‘unity’ within players at Chelsea in the last few months
• Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher picks up Crystal Palace Player of the Month award
• Chelsea are eyeing a move for Bayer Leverkusen youngster Florian Wirtz

Spurs were said to be initially interested in the player when Jose Mourinho was at the helm of things, and the North London outfit are said to be still keen on a deal for the Chelsea centre-back.

Thus, with uncertainty surrounding the future of Rudiger, it remains to be seen where the German will be playing his football beyond this season. Joining a direct rival in Spurs would certainly not go down well with the fans at Stamford Bridge.