Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger has raised his initial salary demands and is now seeking around £225,000-a-week before a signing-on bonus to stay at Stamford Bridge.
The Germany international is out of contract at the end of the season and he’s rejected a number of proposals from Chelsea’s board to stay in west London.
Thomas Tuchel is understandably desperate to keep Rudiger, who has been one of Chelsea’s star performers so far this term.
But those displays have only strengthened Rudiger’s belief that he should be one of the club’s top earners and he has an offer on the table from Real Madrid to move to Spain.
Chelsea were taken aback at the start of the season when Rudiger demanded around £200,000-a-week but the Athletic claim those demands have since increased, with the defender now seeking around £225,000-a-week.
That’s before any signing-on fee, which is likely to be significant given Chelsea would face losing Rudiger on a free transfer.
Despite Rudiger’s raised demands, Chelsea are more confident now than they have been that he will sign a new deal.
Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta are also out of contract in July and Chelsea are wary of caving into demands from one of the players, knowing the knock-on effect it could have on negotiations with the others.
The trio can all sign pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs and have been able to do so since January 1st.
But they are yet to do so, which has given Chelsea hope that they can be convinced to stay.