Chelsea defender enters contract talks with Juventus

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger has opened contract talks with Juventus, according to Tuttosport.

The Germany international has less than four months remaining on his deal, and a renewal appears improbable at the moment.

He has been in a contract stand-off over the past year. The Blues can no longer extend his deal due to sanctions on owner Roman Abramovich.

Amidst this, it appears the centre-back is looking at a fresh challenge. He has now opened negotiations with Juventus through his representative.

Rudiger rejected an offer worth £140,000-a-week from the Blues last year. He is eyeing around double the figure for his next big contract.

It is unclear whether the Bianconeri would be willing to meet his demands, considering they have looked to lower their wage bill since January.

The Bianconeri may propose to offer him a significant signing-on fee such that they can keep his salary within their current wage structure.

Rudiger has also been linked with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.