Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has said on the club’s official website that he does not want reported Tottenham Hotspur target Antonio Rudiger to leave.
Tottenham Hotspur interest
Antonio Conte’s Tottenham have been linked with a move for Chelsea central defender Rudiger.
The 28-year-old is out of contract at Chelsea at the end of the season.
No new deal is in place.
Speaking on the Done Deal Show this week, journalist Dean Jones claimed that Tottenham want to sign the 2021 Champions League winner on a free transfer in the summer of 2022.
We covered the report here on HITC Sport.
What Thomas Tuchel has said
Chelsea boss Tuchel has said that he rates Rudiger highly, adding that he does not want him to leave.
Tuchel told Chelsea’s official website: “It’s pretty clear what we want, but you have to accept sometimes you can end up in situations where the things are in a bit of a delay and take their time, and of course there are with Toni and Andreas at the moment.
“I’m very sure Toni feels how respected and what kind of an important role he plays in this club. He’s up for the toughest challenge, and the toughest challenge is Premier League football and to win titles. He’s a big part in a big club and I’m sure he’s aware of it.
“I’m calm because Toni is calm, and the situation inside is calm. Everyone is mature. I’m happy he plays how he plays because we need him on this kind of level.”
Long way to go
Chelsea are a massive club who win titles and compete for major honours.
It is very likely that if the Blues offer Rudiger a new contract and meet his demands, then he will stay.
However, there is a long way to go.
Tottenham have Conte in charge now, and that could appeal to Rudiger.
After all, Conte was the manager who signed the defender for Chelsea in 2017.
And the defender himself has said previously that he moved to Chelsea because of Conte.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
