Chelsea FC are now resigned to losing centre-back Antonio Rüdiger on a free transfer in 2022, WTX Sport understands, with the German set to become one of the most coveted players on the continent.
Rüdiger’s contract at Stamford Bridge expires in the summer and talks over a new deal have long been at an impasse, with the Blues’ most recent offer well short of matching his desire to become one of the club’s highest-paid players.
Put simply, he is simply not of star status to command such a contract and as such the team at Chelsea to lose Antonio Rudiger.
Chelsea to lose Antonio Rüdiger
That would be seen as a reward for a remarkable 12 months of stellar form, during which time the 28-year-old has collected a Champions League winners medal and established himself as one of the best central defenders in the world.
However, WTX Sport understands that the disparity between Chelsea’s latest offer and Rüdiger’s demands means the club’s hierarchy has all but accepted that the German international will not pen fresh terms to remain in west London.
Rüdiger is free to negotiate his next move from January, and as many as 11 top European clubs, including the struggling Barcelona FC, are vying for the rare opportunity to sign a top-class player without paying a transfer fee.
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