Chelsea first-teamer Antonio Rudiger is unwilling to start contractual negotiations with the Blues until the conclusion of this summer’s UEFA Euros, claim reports from The Athletic.
Rudiger’s long-term future in the Chelsea colours look far from assured beyond the forthcoming summer transfer window as Tottenham Hotspur gain the pole position to sign the Germany international should he leave Stamford Bridge.
With just 15 months remaining on his existing deal, talks of a new contract have escalated in recent weeks but the 28-year-old defender is understood to be wanting to delay the same ahead of the Euros.
Rudiger has firmly established his credential of a regular in the Chelsea camp in the aftermath of Thomas Tuchel taking charge of the west Londoners, with the player forming a crucial pairing with Andres Christensen in the heart of the backline.
Tuchel has been alert to the possibility of losing out on his key defender in the summer amid reports indicating the new Chelsea boss wanting to add Bayern Munich contract rebel Niklas Sule to his ranks.
Sule is yet to sign extended terms with the UEFA Champions League holders and interest in the centre-back from the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea could lure the German to Premier League football.
