Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger’s future remains uncertain with the club’s latest improved attempts to sign him to a new contract set to fail.
According to the Daily Mail, talks between Chelsea and the Blues’ key defender over a contract extension have resumed, with the European champions eager to ensure Rudiger stays beyond his current deal that expires in the summer.
Rudiger, who currently earns in the region of £100,000-per-week, rejected the club’s original offer – believed to be in the region of £140,000-per-week.
During the latest round of discussions, it is understood the club informally offered Rudiger a new deal worth closer to the £200,000-per-week mark.
However, it is understood the improved offer still falls short of what is required to persuade the Germany international to commit his future to the Stamford Bridge club.
The lines of communication between both parties are open with a view to finding a resolution, and Chelsea remain optimistic that they can strike a deal to keep their stalwart defender.
But it appears likely that they will have to make an increased offer to Rudiger to ensure they keep a player who head coach Thomas Tuchel views crucial to his plans.
Along with Kylian Mbappe and Paul Pogba, the Chelsea centre back is set to be one of the most sought after free transfers heading into the summer transfer window.
Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are among the overseas clubs to have offered Rudiger pre-contracts ahead of the summer.
Intriguingly, Manchester United are understood to be watching developments closely ahead of what could emerge as one of the most dramatic transfers ahead of next season.
Old Trafford interim boss Ralf Rangnick is a huge admirer of his countryman Rudiger and has recommended the club consider moving for the 28-year-old.
Rudiger knows he can earn as much as £400,000-per-week – inclusive of signing on fees and bonuses – if he leaves Chelsea on a Bosman transfer.
Indeed, the fact he can earn so much elsewhere is causing Chelsea significant difficulty in putting together a financial package that will persuade Rudiger to turn down other offers.
Chelsea have made clear to Rudiger how highly he is valued and want him to stay, particularly given they also face losing fellow defenders Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta at the end of the season.