ANTONIO RUDIGER is reportedly demanding that Chelsea increase their contract offer to £220,000-a-week if they want to keep him at the club.
The Blues’ initial offer of £140,000-a-week allegedly incensed the German who turned it down as he allegedly wants to be among the top 10 highest-paid players at Stamford Bridge.
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And according to Marca, the defender – who’s being chased by several of Europe’s big guns as his contract’s expiration date looms – will only consider staying with the Blues if they meet his improved demands.
Thomas Tuchel’s side will have to make a decision swiftly as the robust defender’s current deal is up in the summer.
Plus, the Blues’ Premier League rivals Manchester United have reportedly set their sights on the 28-year-old.
Real Madrid were also chasing Rudiger, but have ended their interest due to his agents demanding a hefty £20m signing-on fee.
Real’s withdrawal from the race has put United in pole position to land Rudiger if Chelsea can’t convince him to stay put – although Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are all said to be waiting in the wings.
United’s pursuit of Rudiger could be helped along by interim boss Ralf Rangnick who’s reportedly got a good relationship with his fellow countryman’s agent and half-brother Sahr Senesie.
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However, the Blues are well aware of the value Rudiger brings to the club and they’re reportedly willing to meet his demands.
Sources close to the deal claim the Blues plan to add a huge loyalty bonus to bump up Rudiger’s pay packet in a bid to get him to sign on the dotted line.
And judging by the form he’s been in this season – it would be money well-spent by the Blues.
The towering defender showed his worth a few weeks ago when he fired Chelsea into the Carabao Cup final by scoring the only goal in the West London side’s semi’s win over bitter rivals Spurs.
Tuchel’s troops will be hoping they can rely on the German national once again in the competition’s finale against Liverpool who dumped a hapless Arsenal out of the cup last night with a dynamic double by Diogo Jota.
