Chelsea braced for defender exit next summer

Chelsea are braced for the departure of Antonio Rudiger with the lack of progress in contract talks, Fichajes claims.

The German has entered the final eight months of his deal, and he can discuss a pre-contract with an overseas club in January.

Blues boss Thomas Tuchel has widely spoken about his desire to keep Rudiger, but the hierarchy have yet to meet his demands.

Rudiger is eyeing a four-year contract worth £200,000-a-week. The board are currently reluctant to over £150,000 weekly.

That is only a small increase on his current £130,000-a-week salary. Rudiger feels disrespected with the offer on the table.

As such, he appears likely to head for the exit door next summer with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain fancied to sign him.

Los Blancos are already in constant contact with his agent, and a pre-contract deal could be sealed at the beginning of the year.

Rudiger has been almost ever-present in the Blues' backline under Tuchel. His departure will be a big blow for the west London giants.