The future of Chelsea centre-back Antonio Rudiger is one of many aspects left up in the air as a result of the ongoing race to buy the club from Roman Abramovich. After the Russian was sanctioned, any contract and transfer negotiations had to be held, making an uncertain situation even more so.
Rudiger has been an ever-present under Thomas Tuchel, becoming an enormous fan favourite in the process, but there have been concerns this season that he could leave on a free transfer with a new contract seemingly a long way from being agreed. Previous reports have suggested a weekly wage of £200,000 was being demanded, with the Blues reluctant to agree to the terms.
Throughout it all, the man in the dugout appears relaxed about the whole situation. Rudiger has been the star of Tuchel's excellent defence at Stamford Bridge but ahead of their FA Cup third-round clash this season, and he was in a jovial mood when asked about his future.
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"I don't know if it helps if I take him out for a lot of coffees, it might even push him out! I don't feel he needs a lot of coffees with me. He is a guy who needs to trust you. He needs to feel the connection and trust. He needs to feel it by minutes and actions," Tuchel joked before the Chesterfield game last month.
"I don't feel Toni needs a lot of words, coffee talks or invitations for dinners or whatever. He is a top professional. This is what he proves, and nothing has changed. The talks are in good hands. I trust the club 100%, trust in the player, and it is a no problem situation for me.
"Also, Toni can still deliver, he did a fantastic match in a back four. He is super reliable. Nothing has changed, the points of view haven't changed and once something changes. You will be the first to know."
But the prospect of Rudiger leaving is a very real one, and a report from GOAL has revealed that negotiations that were progressing under Abramovich may now have to be restarted under the new owner. This could force Rudiger to one of the many teams monitoring his situation, including Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus.
