Chelsea are keen to ‘accelerate’ contract talks with Antonio Rudiger following the defender’s return to form under new head coach Thomas Tuchel.
Rudiger has impressed since the arrival of Tuchel in January and has become a key figure of an improved Chelsea backline, the change to a back three formation having increased the west Londoner’s defensive strength in recent weeks.
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Chelsea remain unbeaten in 12 games across all competitions under Tuchel and have kept 10 clean sheets during that period, Rudiger having impressed in the new system to re-establish himself as a key member of the squad.
The Germany international had endured a frustrating period under Frank Lampard and had been strongly linked with an exit from Stamford Bridge, though the Mail are reporting the club are now keen to tie the centre-back down to a new deal.
Rudiger – who has started eight fixtures under the new head coach – will enter the final year of his contract this summer and Chelsea want to avoid any uncertainty by securing an extension before this summer’s European Championships.
The 28-year-old was linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain last summer before remaining with the Premier League side and the club now want to reward Rudiger for his return to prominence as Chelsea look to continue their progress under the new regime.
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