‘Massive loss’: Martin Keown claims PL rivals can’t afford to lose rumoured Tottenham target

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Martin Keown has claimed that Chelsea can’t afford to lose rumoured Tottenham target Antonio Rudiger, as he told BBC Radio 5 Live Sport.

The former defender shared that Rudiger would be a ‘massive loss’ to Chelsea if his contract situation isn’t sorted and he left.

Rudiger’s contract at Stamford Bridge will expire next summer and clubs across Europe are trying to pounce on snapping up his talents for next to nothing.

One of them includes their London rivals Tottenham, with Eurosport journalist Dean Jones reporting that Spurs want the hard-hitting defender on a free and are willing to give him one of the biggest offers, so he can join them.

Over the weekend, Rudiger won two penalties as Chelsea beat Leeds United 3-2 at Stamford Bridge and Keown spoke about the importance of securing the player’s future, as well as those around him.

“I wonder if it’s affecting (Chelsea’s defensive displays) the back three where they haven’t signed any new contracts,” said Keown.

“Rudiger’s not signing. Christensen as well, not signing a new contract. Silva, I am assuming, that will get done. I don’t think you want that in the dressing room. You want that unity and togetherness. You are building for the future.

“Rudiger would be a massive loss for them. I don’t think they can afford to lose him when you talk about how significant he was (against Leeds) by grabbing two penalties.”

There is always the possibility of Rudiger leaving Chelsea when his contract expires and heading to another rival club.

But, even on a free-transfer, it would be a big surprise if he joined Spurs, especially given the history between the two clubs.

Plus, with the German international playing Champions League football, if he has to leave one European team, then he’s going to want to join another.

And Tottenham, come the end of the season, might find themselves outside of the Champions League places once more, which will make their life tougher.

Although, those in the north London boardroom will feel they can use Antonio Conte as a lure to bring players that might not have previously joined them.