Chelsea defender eyeing fresh challenge amid Real Madrid interest

Chelsea centre-back Antonio Rudiger has his sights on leaving the Blues amid the lack of resolution in contract talks.

The German has been with the Blues for the past five years, but he could walk out for free when his deal expires next summer.

The Blues have proposed a new deal worth €6.5m per year, but Rudiger wants around €10m to prolong his stay with the club.

His agent has already made contact with the likes of Bayern Munich and Real Madrid over a pre-contract deal in January.

Los Blancos appear most interested in his services, and they could pair him alongside David Alaba for the 2022/23 campaign.

The La Liga giants are eyeing young recruits in the market, but they are also open to signing players in the prime of their careers.

Rudiger has been almost ever-present for the Blues in the league since Thomas Tuchel took charge as the head coach in January.

Tuchel has regularly talked up a new contract for the 28-year-old, but the hierarchy are reluctant to meet the player's wage demands.