Chelsea have found some difficulties in convincing Antonio Rudiger to sign a new contract amid risks of potentially losing the defender on a free transfer next summer, according to Goal.
There are currently four Chelsea centre-backs in the final year of their respective contract with the club; Rudiger, Andreas Christensen, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Thiago Silva.
Azpilicueta and Silva are both over 30, so Chelsea usually assess their contract situation annually.
Meanwhile, Chelsea could potentially lose millions in transfer fees if they lose either Rudiger or Christensen on a free transfer.
Fortunately, Goal claims that Christensen is close to agreeing a new four-year contract with an option for a further year with the club.
The Denmark international has reportedly negotiated a significant pay rise but also turned down interest from several other clubs as well.
On the other hand, the report suggests that Chelsea and Rudiger are not exactly close to any agreement so far. In fact, Goal added that those around the club are worried that the former Roma defender might run down his contract so that he negotiate with other clubs in January.
At 28, this is arguably going to be the last big contract of his career, and he is understandably taking his time to make a decision.
He has emerged as a key player under Thomas Tuchel, and is in a very good negotiating position in terms of his new contract, whether it is with Chelsea or any other club.
On a positive note, Chelsea have also begun rejuvenating their defensive line, having reportedly offered a new long-term contract for Trevoh Chalobah.
Recent reports also suggest that they are on the verge of signing one of Europe’s hottest defender prospect in Jules Kounde from Sevilla.
Sevila boss Julen Lopetegui has even confirmed that Kounde could leave in the next few days.
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