A fresh, and potentially significant update on the future of Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger has, on Thursday, been forthcoming online.
Blues’ backline concerns
The situation at the heart of the club’s backline has of course proven a major concern for Chelsea of late.
This comes with no fewer than three of the club’s defenders, as things stand, poised to depart Stamford Bridge upon the expiration of their respective contracts this summer.
The players in question? Andreas Christensen, Cesar Azpilicueta and the aforementioned Rudiger.
Losing one, or potentially several of this quartet would of course mark a hammer blow for Thomas Tuchel and co., who, just half a season ago, confirmed their tag as the continent’s finest courtesy of a triumph over Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the Champions League final.
PORTO, PORTUGAL – MAY 29: Players of Chelsea celebrate with the trophy at the end of the UEFA Champions League final match against Manchester City at Dragao Stadium on May 29, 2021 in Porto, Portugal. Chelsea won the 2021 Champions League title after beating Manchester City 1-0 in the final on Saturday. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein – UEFA/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Rudiger to remain?
In turn, news of positive developments towards one of this trio – in the form of Rudiger – committing his future to Chelsea will no doubt be met with a collective nod of approval on the part of the Blues’ fanbase on Thursday.
After Thiago Silva put pen to paper on fresh terms in the English capital earlier in the month, defensive partner Rudiger now at least appears to be opening to doing the same himself.
As per a report from the reliable Matt Law of The Telegraph, the German is ‘ready’ to reopen discussions with the Chelsea board. This comes with ‘Rudi’ having not ruled out the possibility of committing the prime years of his career to the European champions.
It is added that though the stopper’s team view it as unlikely that their client will be offered up the sort of financial terms secured by Romelu Lukaku upon his return to the club, the Belgian’s deal has provided a necessary reference point for negotiations.
Antonio Rudiger ready to listen to new Chelsea contract offer | @Matt_Law_DT https://t.co/CsaB4k71iF #CFC
— Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) January 13, 2022
Manchester City vs Chelsea betting tips: Premier League preview, predictions and odds
How Chelsea could be set to stop Arsenal landing loan move for Arthur
