Antonio Rudiger in no rush to hold new contract talks with Chelsea
By Ali Rampling
Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger is poised to delay talks regarding a new contract until after this summer's European Championships, with his current Stamford Bridge deal expiring in June 2022.
The centre-back saw his minutes severely restricted under former boss Frank Lampard, featuring just four times in the Premier League prior to Lampard's sacking in January.
However, Rudiger has enjoyed a renaissance under new manager Thomas Tuchel, starting 12 of the German's first 13 games in charge, and turned in an immense performance at the heart of the Blues backline during their Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid.
Despite his upturn in fortunes at Stamford Bridge, German news outlet Kicker report that he will still wait until after the European Championships - which kicks off on 11 June and concludes on 11 July - before opening negotiations about extending his stay in west London.
Rudiger put pen to paper on a five-year deal when he joined Chelsea from Roma for £29m in 2017, and he will enter the final 11 months of this contract following the conclusion of the Euros.
The Athletic also report that Chelsea have indicated their willingness to offer the 28-year-old fresh terms, and would ideally like a new contract agreed prior to this summer's Euros. However, the club have been informed that discussions over an extended deal will not commence until after the tournament.
Rudiger is said to have slight reservations over committing to a new deal, having been left out for a prolonged period of time under Lampard - which jeopardised his place in Germany's squad.
However, he has been a particular beneficiary of the arrival of Tuchel - and was complimentary about his new manager's approach during an interview at the beginning of March.
“It’s all details, details," Rudiger told The Sun. “If you don’t do what he tells you, you will find yourself on the outside. His message is just always to play our football. He is making us feel that we should always stay calm, never worry, and he advises us exactly what to do. And this is what we are doing."