Antonio Rudiger is ‘increasingly likely’ to leave Chelsea following their several missed opportunities to give him a new contract, it’s been claimed.
The Blues have been in and out of talks with the Germany defender this season with the expiry of his current deal approaching in the summer.
And now Rudiger, 29, cannot put pen to paper on a renewal due to the sanctions imposed on Roman Abramovich.
As the Chelsea owner has had his assets frozen by the UK Government, the club are unable to give their current players fresh contracts or make signings for the time being until May 31, 2022.
According to Sky Sports News, that has pushed Rudiger closer to the exit door.
They report that he will wait until the summer to make a decision on his future and he hasn’t ruled out staying in the Premier League.
Newcastle were said to be joining the race earlier this week, though they do have fears about his wage demands.
Reports have suggested that Rudiger is seeking upwards of £200k-per-week, which the Toon look unlikely to stretch to.
His potential availability on a free transfer has also put some of Europe’s powerhouses on alert.
After all, he is a top quality defender at the peak of his career.
Real Madrid have been following his situation closely and appear to be the frontrunners for his signature.
But PSG are also interested in the former Roma man, who has been a stalwart at the back for Thomas Tuchel.
The Chelsea boss would be gutted to see him go, with Andreas Christensen nearing a switch to Barcelona and Cesar Azpilicueta also possibly joining him in Spain.
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