Chelsea have opened discussions with defender Antonio Rudiger about a new contract, according to Sky Sports. The German defender signed a five-year deal back in 2017 when he joined from Roma. And as the story so often goes, it’s about that time for both sides to hammer out a new deal.
Not many details have surfaced yet. However, as of now, the Blues have offered a three-year deal to Ruidger with an option for a fourth. The wages for the proposed deal have not leaked yet. But it’s safe to assume he’ll receive an increase on the £100k a week he receives now.
REPORT: Chelsea Begin Contract Extension Talks With Antonio Rudiger
Defensive struggles
Chelsea have had their issues in defence this year. For the most part, Rudiger could do nothing about it as he missed a majority of the year through injury. Manager Frank Lampard has given players like Kurt Zouma and Andreas Christensen a chance to finally blossom into full-time starters. Plus, youngster Fikayo Tomori had the chance to get blooded week in week out during his Premier League debut season.
Unfortunately, none have quite lived up to the demands and expectations of centre-backs at a ‘Big 6’ club fighting on all fronts domestically, and in Europe.
Because of their inconsistencies, Lampard has chopped and changed combinations at centre-back and alternated between a back three and back four. Yet, none of that improved Chelsea’s defence. The mental errors, losing their marks from corners and surrendering late goals made Chelsea’s defence their Achilles heel.
By extending Ruidger’s time in West London, the club are putting their faith in him to marshal the backline as the veteran leader.
Rudiger’s Pedigree
Before joining Chelsea, Rudiger played for Stuttgart in his native Germany, and then in Serie A with Roma for two years. In Italy, he made both his Champions League and Europa League debuts as well. During his rise, he also starred for Germany at the 2017 Confederations Cup, winning his first senior international trophy.
That pedigree, the one that has taken him from relative unknown to international trophy winner to the Premier League with Chelsea, is what the club want to cash in on.
Having just turned 27, Rudiger is in the prime of his career and shown moments as a leader, none better than when he took it upon himself to apologize to Chelsea fans alone after a hammering from Manchester City.
That leadership presence and attitude is what Chelsea want and need in the backline. By offering Rudiger and new three-year with a fourth as an option, the Blues are putting their faith in the German centre-back to anchor the defence for the foreseeable future.
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