The decision over whether Antonio Rudiger remains at Stamford Bridge past the end of his current deal expiring in June is in the hands of the club, the defender has revealed.

Rudiger has just five months left of what has been an incredibly successful spell at Chelsea, which was taken to another level with the arrival of Thomas Tuchel at the beginning of 2021. Since then, the German has become a firm fan-favourite, established himself as one of the best defenders in the world and helped Chelsea become champions of both Europe and the World.

Speaking to The Athletic following their most recent trophy, thanks to an extra-time Kai Havertz penalty, Rudiger re-iterated his happiness at Chelsea.

‘I feel great here, I have always said it. I think the way I play you can see that I’m happy here. But there are also other people who have to make decisions’, he told the outlet.

Of course, it is not that simple though.

Rudi’s expensive demands laid out

The problem between the two parties, it seems, has always been money.

Currently on ‘just’ £90k per week, Rudiger is looking for a big contract that fairly reflects his importance to Chelsea. At the beginning of the season, Chelsea deemed that to be a raise to £140k-per-week.

Chelsea centre-back Antonio Rudiger sets out contract demands and reveals it’s in the club’s hands

LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 02: Antonio Rudiger of Chelsea arrives at the stadium ahead of the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Fulham FC at Stamford Bridge on December 1, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

It was not enough.

According to The Athletic, the German defender is thought to be demanding a deal in the region of £225k-per-week, while Chelsea have upped their initial offer to £200k-per-week. They are closer, but not there yet, and Rudiger has all the power in the situation because he can walk away for free in June.

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