Antonio Rüdiger still stalling over new contract, just like last week or last month

Into the slight post-match news lull have stepped a couple reports, from Goal and the Telegraph, that Antonio Rüdiger is no closer to signing his contract than he was this time last week, or this time last month. Quotas gotta be met!

As per previous reports, Rüdiger’s concerns about an extension, which is likely to be the last big contract of his career, lie along mostly financial considerations — though the perceived (in)stability of his position and the coaching staff is also weighing on his mind. Last week, the story was that Chelsea could offer him as much as a 50 per cent wage rise to allays any such fears, but as the Telegraph explains, the 28-year-old center back could get “more than double” his current wages by moving on a free transfer to the likes of PSG or Real Madrid, who are keeping a close eye on things.

The report adds that there is “little sign of breakthrough”, so we’ll probably get another report in a week or a month about how there’s still no agreement over a contract extension. At this point, it seems all but certain that Rüdiger will test the market in January, even if his good relationship with Tuchel and his happiness in London remain as they are now.

Regardless of how this specific situation turns out, hopefully we’re coming up with some long-term solutions or plan of action for this position (and it’s not just Jules Koundé or bust). The Telegraph adds that while Andreas Christensen should be signing on soon, it’s not a foregone conclusion that Thiago Silva stays for next season as well.