Chelsea open contract extension talks with star

Chelsea have reportedly opened negotiations with their defender, Antonio Rudiger, over a new deal, according to Sky Sports. They want the German to pen a fresh three-year contract with an option to extend for a further year.

Rudiger switched from AS Roma to Stamford Bridge in 2017 for £31.5 million, when the Blues were plotting three-man backlines under Antonio Conte. Since then, he has enhanced his game to emerge as one of the sturdiest centre-halves in English football.

Despite questionable performances this season, the German remains the club’s senior-most center-back following the exits of Gary Cahill and David Luiz.

The West Londoners have understood to be impressed with his displays regardless, since his return from a groin injury in December. The 27-year-old has registered 16 appearances in all competitions this term, also netting a couple of goals during the same period.

Chelsea’s talks with him have discontinued due to the uncertainties caused by the coronavirus pandemic, but they will have to tie him down soon before admirers such as Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund overtake them.