The German head coach remains confident that at least one of the senior defenders will stay at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel has provided updates on the contract talks for defenders Antonio Rudiger and Cesar Azpilicueta, with the Blues eager to keep the pair.
Rudiger’s representatives have been pictured in Barcelona this week discussing a free transfer move to Camp Nou
The German would join fellow centre-back Andreas Christensen, who is believed to have agreed to move to join Xavi’s side at the expiration of his contract in June.
However the Tuchel is confident that the west London outfit will hang on to club captain Azpilicueta whose contract has been extended by a year, after the versatile Spanish defender played in a certain number of games this season.
“It’s a good thing,” said Tuchel of Azpilicueta’s extended contract that takes him through to the summer of 2023.
“It’s good news for us.”
“I knew it was going to happen because I knew the amount of games when it was going to happen.
“We have a contract, he’s our captain, so there’s a very high probability that he will stay.
While it’s positive for Blues supporters that the 32-year-old former Marseille defender will likely remain at Stamford Bridge, Tuchel is less sure on the future of Rudiger.
Although he remains confident that the German international will also stay in London this summer once the ownership issues at the club have been addressed.
Tuchel said: “I would try to meet him [Rudiger] if I were any other club.
“He’s our player and I still think we have a good chance he stays our player once things are solved for us.
“Our hands are tied, we cannot offer him or negotiate or renegotiate with his agents. But I’m still confident.”
The Blues are unable to offer new deals to players currently, as part of the sanctions on owner Roman Abramovich, but once new ownership comes in then that position will change.
Some of the groups interested in buying Chelsea are believed to have identified keeping Rudiger, whose contract expires this coming summer, as a key aim for the club if they are successful in succeeding Abramovich.
Tags: Thomas Tuchel
