Chelsea bracing for Antonio Rudiger's exit?

Antonio Rudiger could leave the Blues on a free transfer next summer amid the lack of progress in contract talks.

The German has entered the final year of his deal at the west London giants, and he could sign a pre-contract with a foreign club in January.

Rudiger is open to the prospect of staying with the Blues, but he is reluctant to sign an extension unless the hierarchy are willing to meet his demands.

He is currently eyeing £200,000-a-week to prolong his stay, but the board are clear that they are unlikely to meet his salary requirements.

The centre-back believes he has only one big-money contract left for him, and he remains hopeful that the Blues will change their stance.

Otherwise, he could be heading for the exit door with interest from Europe's elite clubs. Bayern, Juventus, Atletico and Real Madrid are keen.

Rudiger will hold a fresh round of talks with the Blues before deciding on the next step for his career. He is unlikely to leave in January.