Chelsea have been dealt something of a boost in their attempts to keep Antonio Rudiger as German giants Bayern Munich have pulled out of the race for his signature.
Rudiger is in the final six months of his contract at Stamford Bridge, and is yet to renew with the Blues, prompting plenty of speculation about where his future lies.
And given Niklas Sule’s departure from the Allianz Arena being confirmed earlier this week, Bavaria seemed a good fit for the 28 year old.
However, this is no longer an option for him, according to Fabrizio Romano, who claims that Rudi’s salary demands are too expensive for the German champions.
Despite last days rumours, Toni Rüdiger’s not even an option for FC Bayern as free agent. His salary demands are too high for German club – not interested at current conditions. ?? #FCBayern
The final decision on the Chelsea contract proposal has not yet been made. #CFC pic.twitter.com/9FCt4GQ1oR
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 10, 2022
Rudiger is thought to be demanding in excess of £200k per week, and has recently turned down a new deal at Chelsea, despite being one of Thomas Tuchel’s most important players. There is a possibility that he, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta all depart for nothing come the end of the season, leaving the Chelsea defence looking threadbare at best.
What’s left for Rudiger?
Realistically, it looks as though Rudiger is holding out hope that one of the Spanish giants come calling and offer him a lucrative package to take him on a free transfer in the summer.
Chelsea are not out of the race yet though, and have reportedly offered him a contrast closer to the £200k demands that he has, despite their initial reluctance to do so.
Chelsea ‘offer Antonio Rudiger a new contract worth closer to his £200,000-a-week demands’ https://t.co/sb6uz2nQm5
— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) February 9, 2022
With time running out, Rudiger will need to reach a final decision as to where his future lies, and how he wants to be remembered, soon.
