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)
Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger has broken his silence, amid claims that the defender has begun talks with fellow continental giants, ahead of the expiration of his contract at Stamford Bridge.
German international Rudiger has of course enjoyed a scintillating opening to the new campaign.
After being brought back in from the cold to establish himself as a key contributor at Chelsea over the 2nd half of last season, the 28-year-old has stepped things up yet another notch to this point in 2021/22.
Rudiger has played every minute of both the Blues’ Premier League and European campaigns, looking an absolute rock no matter his defensive partner.
So impressive has the ex-Roma man been that some have already begun to point towards a ‘best defender in England’ tag, with a goal to cap off a remarkable display versus Tottenham last weekend just rewards for his early-season efforts.
‘Never spoken to any other club…’
In turn, amid the finest stretch of the stopper’s playing career, his contract situation in West London has long marked something of a concern.
Rudiger’s current terms are due to expire next summer, with the player, to this point, having kept his cards close to his chest when it comes to intentions moving forward.
Such uncertainty, in turn, sparked reports earlier today that ‘Rudi’ has been targeted by German heavyweights Bayern Munich, with preliminary talks over the possibility of a free transfer now underway between the two parties:
Bayern Munich have registered an interest in Chelsea’s Antonio Rudiger 👀@NizaarKinsella & @kerry_hau have the details 👇
— Goal News (@GoalNews) September 23, 2021
Rudiger himself, however, has since moved to pour cold water on such suggestions.
Speaking in an interview with SID, via Sky Sports Germany, the 28-year-old was drawn on the rampant speculation surrounding his future, and went on to explain:
‘For me, this will now be the most important decision of my professional career. I have never spoken to any other club than Chelsea.’
Antonio Rudiger breaks silence on Chelsea future as Bayern move for Thomas Tuchel’s ‘priority’. https://t.co/43Nf0f32Dt
— football.london (@Football_LDN) September 23, 2021
