Sensational turnaround on cards as Chelsea look to stop big Bayern swoop

Antonio Rudiger, Timo Werner, Mason Mount Southampton v Chelsea February 2021

Chelsea are willing to hand centre-back Antonio Rudiger a bumper new contract and have opened talks with the German, a report claims.

The Germany international moved to Stamford Bridge from Roma in 2017 and has largely enjoyed his tenure. He made 27 and 33 Premier League appearances in his first two seasons, respectively, but his game time then decreased. Indeed, he suffered a groin injury last season before Frank Lampard largely kept him out of the team this term.

In fact, he appeared in only two of the first 17 top-flight games, failing to make the squad on four occasions. TEAMtalk also understands that Rudiger refused to play in September’s Carabao Cup clash with Tottenham.

However, the centre-back has enjoyed a remarkable turnaround since Thomas Tuchel replaced Lampard as manager. His fellow German has played him in all but two of his Premier League games in charge.

Rudiger has thoroughly impressed during that period and, as such, 90min claims that the Blues are ready to give the centre-back a new deal to boot.

The 28-year-old wants a pay rise for his turnaround, which Chelsea bosses and Tuchel are happy to provide.

Figures at Stamford Bridge reportedly feel ‘very happy’ at Rudiger’s form in the second half of the season.

While the player himself is keen to get a new deal, there is also impetus from his employers to resolve his future.

Antonio Rudiger: I was upset PSG move fell through

Antonio Rudiger: I was upset PSG move fell through

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger says he was 'close' to leaving the club last summer to join Paris Saint-Germain, and that he also discussed a move to Tottenham with Jose Mourinho.

Amid his upturn, Rudiger’s contract has been running down. As such, he will have only one year left on his terms this summer.

Furthermore, 90min claims that Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are ‘monitoring developments’.

Rudiger was the subject of transfer links away from Chelsea in last summer’s transfer window.

Indeed, he later revealed that he spoke to then-Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho about a move across London.

Chelsea star turns back on contract

Hakim Ziyech, Olivier Giroud, Ngolo Kante Chelsea TEAMtalk

Unlike Rudiger, though, Chelsea team-mate Olivier Giroud looks likely to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.

The French striker’s extension which he penned last year runs out soon and he has reportedly been informed that he will have to accept a diminished role next season if he pens fresh terms.

Giroud has continually faced transfer speculation over his future since signing for the Blues in 2018.

READ MORE: Host of clubs come forward as Chelsea man turns back on contract offer