Chelsea are confident of retaining star centre-back Antonio Rudiger beyond the summer with Real Madrid cooling their interest in making a move for the Stamford Bridge contract rebel.
The Germany international had emerged as a top target for the La Liga heavyweights who were keeping close tabs on his contract situation in the English capital ahead of opening formal talks with Rudiger’s camp.
According to reports from The Mirror, however, it is now claimed that Rudiger’s demands of a major wage hike, a net figure of €200k-a-week, have sent his Real Madrid links down the drain with the Spaniards unlikely to renew their longstanding interest.
Thomas Tuchel, meanwhile, will be emboldened to tie down his star first-teamer down to a new long-term extension which the Chelsea manager has long been after despite the player’s reluctance.
Rudiger has been one of the most influential performers under Tuchel’s management since the German took over the managerial reigns from Frank Lampard in 2021.
