Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger rejects new contract offer as Man Utd ‘watch closely’
Tuchel comments on Chelsea's work in January transfer window
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Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger has reportedly ‘rejected’ a new contract offered by the Blues. Boss Thomas Tuchel risks losing Rudiger for free in the summer and several clubs, including Premier League rivals Manchester United, are understood to be monitoring the German’s situation.
Rudiger has become a key player under Tuchel and would be a big loss for the German.
He is one of a trio of important defenders whose deals expire in June. Andreas Christensen and the long-serving captain Cesar Azpilicueta have not extended their terms beyond the end of the season.
It is looking increasingly likely that Tuchel might lose all three players, prompting what could be a huge overhaul of his defensive options in the off-season.
Chelsea are desperate for Rudiger, Christensen and Azpilicueta to renew their deals. Tuchel has at times spoken publicly about the situation.
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However, it now seems that Rudiger could move on. The 28-year-old has turned down the latest offer made to him by the Stamford Bridge hierarchy, according to the Daily Mail.
It is the second time the Blues have offered a new deal. The report claims Chelsea have presented a £40,000 increase on his £100,000 per-week salary.
They have now offered to double his wage.
Several clubs are understood to be monitoring his situation, with the prospect of signing one of the world’s best defenders for free in the summer.
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Chelsea’s top-flight rivals Man Utd are one of those, the Daily Mail report continues. The Red Devils have not yet confirmed who their next permanent manager will be but it is likely that the successful candidate will entertain the addition of Rudiger.
In December, Tuchel stressed Rudiger’s importance but insisted that no player is ‘bigger than the club’.
“We absolutely accept and are fully aware of the importance of Toni and the role that he’s playing on and off the pitch,’ the 48-year-old said.
“There is no doubt about that. It’s true that nobody is bigger than the club and this is a team effort and a strong club.
“It’s not only about Toni and I mean that in the best way because we know what he’s doing and we’re fully aware of it. In the end, we need a bit of patience. I have no update right now.”
Two months prior, Rudiger insisted he was happy at Stamford Bridge and that he is enjoying playing under Tuchel. The Germany international’s representatives remained in discussions with the club.
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“The most important thing is that I feel happy here. I think if people look at it, they can see I’m happy,” Rudiger told the Guardian.
“About the contract situation, I talk with the club. This is for nobody’s ears. It was how I said it would be after the Euros – there would be talks.
“There was a talk between Marina [Granovskaia, a Chelsea director] and my agent. We have the situation where we are at now and I have nothing to do with all the speculation.
“This is not in my mind. I’m focused on what I’m doing because this is why I wake up every morning.”
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