PSG & Real Madrid Keeping Tabs On Rudiger's Chelsea Contract Situation

The Blues are still interested in signing Sevilla defender Jules Kounde amid uncertainty over the future of the Germany international.

Chelsea have opened talks with Antonio Rudiger over a new contract but remain cautious over his demands, with both Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid keeping an eye on the situation.

The two European giants will be able to sign the Germany international in January on a pre-contract agreement, with the defender's current deal expiring in the summer of 2022.

Despite interest from abroad, Goal can confirm that the 28-year-old would be happy to stay put in west London as long as his contract demands are met, with Rudiger believing this will likely be the last big-money deal of his career.

Why do PSG and Real Madrid want Rudiger?

PSG have invested heavily in their squad and have become adept at recruiting in the free transfer market, with the Ligue 1 side able to offer huge wages.

Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos, Georginio Wijnaldum and Gianluigi Donnarumma all arrived after their contract expired at their previous clubs in the summer.

Blues boss Thomas Tuchel previously tried to sign Rudiger during his time in charge of PSG when he fell out of favour under former manager Frank Lampard over a year ago.

Similarly, Madrid can offer competitive salaries and still possess the prestige to attract top talent. Free transfers are part of their strategy to overcome the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic that have hit Spanish clubs particularly hard.

Los Blancos sold Raphael Varane to Manchester United amid fears he would exit on a free transfer and, with Ramos having already left, reinforcing the centre-back area is likely to be a priority.