https://theathletic.com/3105033/2022/02/04/Chelsea-hopeful-over-rudiger-christensen-and-azpilicueta-but-more-big-contract-issues-lie-ahead/
Summary:
Latest reports on Friday suggested Rudiger has rejected a contract offer approaching £200,000/week.
Sources close to the player didn't deny it when asked by The Athletic and insisted there are still positive talks going on.
There is optimism that a compromise will be reached, although it is believed Rudiger is now looking for wages around £225,000/week, which is more than he initially requested. A signing on bonus will be another part of the equation.
Rudiger has received a proposal from Real Madrid but has rejected it. It's believed it was worth around £173,000/week. Real Madrid have other priorities and are happy with Alaba and Militao.
PSG, Man United and Bayern are interested in Rudiger.
The club remain hopeful the situation with Rudiger, Azpi and Christensen can be resolved. Negotiations are ongoing.
The contract situation with the defenders could be a sign of difficult things to come. Kante and Jorginho will have just 12 months left on their contract in the summer. Both also already hit the 30-year-old mark and there's the club contract policy for players 30 years old and above.
Mount, Kovacic and Pulisic will have only 24 months left at the end of the season.
Clubs have been suffering financially due to COVID-19. The club recently reported a loss of £156m. Signing players for free or on the cheap has become even more desirable.
Main factor in Azpi's situation is being caused by Barcelona being prepared to give him a three-year deal. The club are thought to have proposed one year with the option for another. But sources within the club remain confident he will stay.
Some players earning big wages could lead/has led to others demanding a bigger salary in the contract negotiation. At £333m, the club's wage bill is already the second highest in the league.
The club are understood to be not alarmed by the current predicament. They regard the situation with Rudiger, Christensen and Azpi as exception to the norm.
They already have plans in place in case Rudiger, Christensen and/or Azpi go.
