Huge question mark emerges over Chelsea star’s future
There is a huge question mark over Antonio Rudiger’s future at Chelsea with no new contract in site for the defender.
The Daily Mail claim there is “little movement in terms of a new deal for the Germany international”.
The centre-back has made 17 Premier League starts this season under Frank Lampard with the Blues boss rotating his centre-backs.
Andreas Christensen, Zurt Zouma and Rudiger have all had chances this season, but Lampard will strengthen his defence this summer.
Rudiger has entered the final two years of his deal at Stamford Bridge, but the paper claims the club are yet to hold formal discussions over an extension.
There was talk of a new deal for the 27-year-old earlier in the season with Sky Sports claiming the club were keen to keep him.
In April the broadcaster claimed the Blues wanted Rudiger to pen a three-year deal, with the option of a further year.
However, they did state “an agreement is not close” and that discussions had been held up by the coronavirus pandemic.
And now there are real concerns over his future with the club, as well as that of Marcos Alonso.
Lampard is searching for a new left-back ahead of next season and his top target is Leicester’s Ben Chilwell.
The report also claims Lampard is unconvinced by Kepa Arrizabalaga, but the club are reticent to sell the Spaniard, who was a club-record £71.5m purchase.
RUDIGER DOES HIS BIT
Meanwhile, Rudiger says he spoke at length to Timo Werner in a bid to convince him to move to Stamford Bridge.
The Blues announced the impending arrival of RB Leipzig striker Werner last month.
Liverpool also wanted the attacker but the Reds eventually refused to pay his £50million release clause and Chelsea, who did not spend in January following last summer’s transfer ban, swooped in.
Reports also claimed Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp spoke via video call to Werner about life at Anfield.
However Rudiger – who has a long-term friendship with his fellow German Werner – has revealed he also did the same.
“I did speak to him before because we have known each other for a long time,” Rudiger told Chelsea’s official website.
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