The clock is ticking at Stamford Bridge with Antonio Rudiger yet to agree new terms, which has inevitably put a number of leading European clubs on alert, amidst the possibility they could open contract negotiations with the powerful centre-back from January 2022. Despite initial offers from Chelsea to extend his contract, the German star and his representatives have stalled on reaching any agreement.
Rudiger is estimated to be earning around £100,000 per week on his existing deal, since arriving from AS Roma in July 2017 for £29 million. Chelsea have reportedly offered to raise his wages to £125,000 per week, during their opening talks to keep the highly valued defender at the club. Apparently, that initial offer was quickly rejected, with the player and his agents apparently holding out for £200,000 each week, thus doubling his current salary.
Considered to be a key figure in the heart of defence, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is believed to have urged the club to meet Rudiger’s contract demands, given that trying to find a replacement of equal quality could prove to be more costly. Rudiger is highly regarded as one of the best centre-backs in European football, while the 28-year-old is also conscious that his next contract could also be the most important of his career.
Keep smiling …. always 😁☝🏾#Hustle#AlwaysBelievepic.twitter.com/8PmRXgyEq6
— Antonio Rüdiger (@ToniRuediger) October 5, 2021
There appears to be no sense of urgency on Rudiger’s part because he seems to be quite laid-back about the whole situation, preferring to focus attention on his important work at Chelsea. The professionalism of the 28-year-old has never been called into question, amidst the sensation that his own preference would be to stay in London. However, until a new agreement is reached, the door still remains open to potential moves elsewhere.
Given the player and his agents are seeking terms they believe he is worth, they are fully aware the salary expectations they have outlined to Chelsea could easily be met elsewhere. French outfit Paris Saint-Germain have been linked with interest, as have Bundesliga titans Bayern Munich, while Spanish football media reports claim Real Madrid are also hot on the trail, eager to bolster their back line with a player of Rudiger’s quality.
Compared to the famed ‘Galactico’ era levels of transfer spending, which ultimately proved to be completely unsustainable, Real Madrid now has an entirely different strategy. Although still willing to pay lavish wages in order to sign the best players, they are reluctant to splash out on massive transfer fees, if that can be avoided. This is what makes Rudiger such a tempting proposition for the Spanish giants, as they could potentially sign him for free next summer.
Real Madrid are keeping an eye on Rudiger's contract talks with Chelsea https://t.co/4ZUaBNjiGd
— Football España (@footballespana_) October 9, 2021
The last thing that Chelsea want right now is uncertainty surrounding one of their most important players, therefore the club will undoubtedly be keen to resolve Rudiger’s contract situation as quickly as possible. The Blues are considered to be genuine contenders for the Premier League title this season, with their defensive strength providing the backbone of a team capable of meeting that objective.
Chelsea have plenty to aim for this season as reigning champions of Europe, which inevitably includes attempting to defend their European crown. Meanwhile, the Blues are second only to Manchester City in the Premier League betting stakes, looking at the latest odds being offered. That said, before backing Tuchel’s men to conquer on both the domestic and continental fronts, be sure to check plenty of expert reviews for the best betting sites around.
SBO has provided a comprehensive guide, ranking the best online bookmakers based on their overall performance. This includes listing the best football betting sites in each country, focusing on those which provide the broadest market coverage, plus the most appealing promotions and consistently high value odds. Some bookies are even speculating on the future of Rudiger, offering odds on his next destination, although hopefully he will remain at Chelsea.
