The January transfer window is officially open and that implies Antonio Rudiger, whose Chelsea contract expires at the end of this season, can officially speak with foreign clubs and sign a pre-contract to join them in the summer.
Asked if Chelsea have made any progress in convincing the centre-back to stay, Thomas Tuchel told the media: “I can’t predict the future. I don’t know if his agents are talking with other clubs, now it’s possible.
“I’m sure he knows how much I rate him – we are in communication with him, the club is trying the very best.”
Rudiger has started more games at the centre-back position than any other defender since Tuchel arrived last January. He has been one of the Blues’ best players under the German and to lose him would surely be a big blow.
However, as things stand, it does seem unlikely that Rudiger will continue with Chelsea as he is reportedly getting a better salary at Real Madrid.