PREMIER LEAGUE
Rüdiger, a step closer to renewing with Chelsea
The German centre-back has explained that his family is settled in London and that he is in talks with Chelsea to extend his contract which expires in June.
Antonio Rüdiger's situation has taken a change of course during the past few weeks. At one point, it looked like he was on his way out of Chelsea, running his contract down to move on as a free agent in the summer. But he is back holding talk with the club with a view to agreeing a new deal and while no agreement has been reached, it's a positive sign that he could be staying at Stamford Bridge. A number of Europe's top clubs are still waiting, hoping to land him on a free in July but Chelsea want to strike new terms and now it seems the player has his mind made up.
Committed to the cause
He was clear about his position when he chatted to Sky Sports this week, "I'm fully committed to the cause, as always. Talks are going on between my side and the club. These are not only words I am saying. I have been through mushc worse times than this, I am focused in what is happening here, out on the pitch - I owe it to everyone here at the club - the coach, my team mates, my family... I'm focused on the important things".
The player explained what factors he will be thinking about when it comes down to making a decision one way or the other. "You have to listen to the missus, obviously you think about your family. Like I've always said, my kids were born here in London, that tells you that my family feels great here. The rest is up to other people, they also have to make decisions - we'll see if we come together or not".
Other options
Rüdiger has been linked to a number of clubs including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich... Chelsea manager Thomas Tüchel has stressed that the defender is a vital component in his team. While it is now looking like a deal is close, nothing has been signed. Rüdiger has asked for an astronomical salary and that is a matter which Chelsea and the clubs who are keen to sign him have to think about too. If he gets his wish he will become the best-paid defender in the Premier League. Just 18 months ago he looked set to leave. He didn't perform to his best under Frank Lampard and put in a transfer request. Rüdiger was listening to offers up until Tuchel's arrival. He fits into the coach's philosophy, and has gone from strength to strength under his guidance. He played a key part in helping Chelsea win the Champions League and the Blues manager would be devastated if he were to leave.