One of the big question marks at Chelsea these days concerns the future of Antonio Rüdiger.
The German defender is one of the best players at Stamford Bridge these days, but his contract expires next June, meaning he will be free to talk to clubs from January onwards about a free transfer.
That’s something Chelsea will want to avoid, but reports have suggested their renewal offers haven’t met the player’s demands, leaving his future up in the air.
Many clubs, ranging from Real Madrid to Bayern Munich, have been linked, and it’s something even the likes of Jérome Boateng are being asked about, as the Lyon centre-back sat down with Goal France to discuss a variety of subjects.
Asked about which defender ‘stands out the most’ in the German national team these days, the 2014 World Cup winner didn’t hesitate: “Toni Rüdiger. We are good friends and we talk often. I’m very happy for him that he has developed so well at Chelsea.
“When we remember where he was a year ago, sometimes on the bench, sometimes in the stands… and now he’s a guaranteed starter and playing at a world-class level because he believed in himself and remained patient. For me, he is currently the best German defender, and definitely in the top five at his spot in Europe”.
This is when the question about the Chelsea player’s future came up, with Goal France pointing out that he is ‘very popular with many top clubs’ before asking Boateng if he had any advice for his friend.
He replied: “I don’t have any for him, he’s big enough and will know what’s best for him. I wish him clear ideas when he makes his decision, but that will be the case”.
Since joining Chelsea from AS Roma for £31.5m, Rüdiger has made 169 appearances in all competitions, scored nine goals and assisted another five
