Chelsea confident of keeping Antonio Rudiger as dream transfer move crumbles

Chelsea's hopes of retaining Antonio Rudiger have been boosted after his hopes of a dream move to Real Madrid this summer were dealt a blow.

The German centre-half is out of contract at the end of the season and has been linked with pastures new.

Rudiger, now 28, knows that his next contract is likely to be his last bumper pay day and is hoping to cash in.

Real Madrid are among those keen on the defender but his wage demands are set to scupper the deal.

Los Blancos have, according to Marca, parked the idea of signing the Chelsea man and are unlikely to renew their interest.

Rudiger was looking to take home a net figure of €200k-a-week in the Spanish capital, which, with taxes, would see Madrid paying in excess of €350k-a-week.

But Madrid have settled on a centre-half pairing of David Alaba and Eder Militao and don't see any reason to change or pay such a high salary for a player who wouldn't be a guaranteed starter.

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Indeed, Rudiger's demands are what could prove the stumbling block for any potential suitor.

PSG and Bayern Munich have both been touted as destinations, with the former more likely to pay such money.

The German may yet extend his stay in west London though should he find it difficult to secure a contract elsewhere.

Madrid's reported dismissal has certainly bolstered Chelsea's chances of keeping their defender with Thomas Tiuchel confident.

"I cannot predict the future. I do not know if his representatives talk to other clubs," he said.

"Of course it is possible now (that he leaves) because it is January and he has not signed yet, but as I understand it we are in communication with him.

"I assume he is very aware of what I demand from him and how I appreciate to work with him.

"The level that he is playing is still super high and outstanding. There are no doubts that the situation is a concern.

"The point is very clear, my opinion is very clear, the club is trying their very best and communication is going on so not a lot has changed."

Chelsea have tied down Thiago Silva for a further year, extending the Brazilian's deal until 2023.

The former PSG man was due to leave in the summer but will remain at Stamford Bridge.

Andreas Christensen is another player whose contract is up when the season ends and the Dane is yet to pen a new deal in west London.

He too is attracting attention and has played regularly under Tuchel which leaves the club with a decision to make regarding his future.