Antonio Rudiger's stance on Chelsea future after fresh Bayern Munich approach

Antonio Rudiger is edging closer to committing his future to Chelsea by signing a new long-term deal, according to reports in Germany.

The 28-year-old found himself on the periphery of Chelsea’s squad under Frank Lampard but has since established himself as a key player at the heart of Thomas Tuchel’s defence, helping the club win the Champions League last season.

However, the Blues have been sweating over Rudiger’s contract situation, with the centre-back set to become a free agent at the end of the 2021/22 campaign as it stands.

Chelsea are increasingly confident Andreas Christensen will put pen to paper on a new contract and it appears Rudiger will follow suit, despite strong interest from around Europe.

According to Bild, Bayern Munich have made contact with Rudiger’s half-brother and agent, Sahr Senesie, to gauge whether the Germany international would be interested in returning to the Bundesliga next summer.

But the report claims Rudiger is now leaning towards a contract renewal at Stamford Bridge, with the west London outfit ready to offer significantly improved wages on his current £130,000-a-week deal.

Chelsea are aware the situation could change, though, with Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Premier League rivals Tottenham also monitoring developments and ready to test their resolve.

The former Roma and Stuttgart centre-half is now in his his fifth season with Chelsea, making over 150 appearances and winning four pieces of silverware in that time.

Once Rudiger and Christensen’s futures are resolved, Chelsea will look to tie down midfield trio Mason Mount, Jorginho and N’Golo Kante with bumper new deals.

Speaking on his Vibe with Five podcast earlier this week, Rio Ferdinand argued Rudiger was the finest central defender in Premier League football on current form.

‘Since Tuchel has come I think he’s arguably been the best centre-back. I think him and [Ruben] Dias would have been close but the effect he has had on his team has been immense,’ the ex-Manchester United and England centre-back said.

‘Under Frank, it was evident he wasn’t Frank’s cup of tea. He didn’t really like him. There was rumours there were trying to put him in the market to be sold.

‘In Germany, he’s always been highly thought of. But when the manager doesn’t rate you and you can feel that, I don’t care who you are your confidence takes a beating and it’s hard to perform at that level.’

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