Sources: Chelsea told Rudiger will only sign new deal if they make him the club’s top earner amid Tottenham talks
Chelsea have been told they will have to make Antonio Rudiger their top earner to keep him beyond this season, Football Insider understands.
Tottenham are among the top clubs racing to sign the Germany international, 28, after he rejected a new Blues contract and was angered at being offered a worse deal than Mason Mount.
A Chelsea source has told Football Insider that Rudiger has made it clear he will only sign an extension if he is catapulted into the top bracket of earners at the club.
It is said that the Londoners will have to “break the bank” to keep hold of the centre-back.
The current top earner at Stamford Bridge is believed to be Romelu Lukaku, who became the club’s record signing when he joined last summer.
Rudiger’s contract stalemate has opened the door to rival clubs going into the January window that opens on Saturday.
There is strong interest from Tottenham, while the Continent’s elite can agree a pre-contract deal with the German from 1 January.
This site revealed on 18 December that Spurs are intensifying their pursuit of Rudiger and are willing to pay him a “huge” salary to get the deal done.
Recruitment chief Fabio Paratici is making it clear to Rudiger how much Antonio Conte wants him in the heart of his defence next term.
Chelsea are now in a tricky situation after initially trying to secure Rudiger on a long-term deal that he felt was way below the market rate.
He has been a key player in Thomas Tuchel’s team this season, making 24 Premier League and Champions League starts among 25 appearances in all competitions.
In other news, an Insider has told Football Insider how Tottenham are working on a deal to sign “unbelievable” player in January.