Now that Andreas Christensen is all but confirmed to be on his way to Barcelona on a free transfer this summer, Antonio Rudiger’s contract situation comes into much sharper focus.
Chelsea’s need to keep him is all the greater now, and that may prompt them to raise their offer. That’s what Rudiger has been holding out for, in any case.
The other thing that will help his cause is interest from other teams – and according to the Telegraph the latest suitor to step forward is Newcastle. They are securing their Premier League status with ease after a January flexing of their financial might, and this summer will be looking to buy proven Champions League quality wherever possible to take them to the next level.
Chelsea are in a dangerous situation now – the Magpies can offer pretty much whatever they like in terms of wages (although the article says they’re reluctant to smash a £200,000 a week barrier), far more than the Blues could or would offer. They must stay strong and have faith that a big raise and a superior chance of winning trophies will persuade the Germany international to stay loyal.
