PSG, Real Madrid Closely Monitoring Antonio Rudiger's Contract Talks With Chelsea

German defender Antonio Rudiger is in contract negotiations with Chelsea, but European giants Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are waiting in the wings.

Sources report that Chelsea is having a hard time trying to convince Rudiger to sign a contract extension that will pay him around £140,000 ($193,81) a week, as the 28-year-old center-back believes this could be his last big payday.

“Goal can confirm that the 28-year-old would be happy to stay put in west London as long as his contract demands are met, with Rudiger believing this will likely be the last big-money deal of his career.” Goal’s Nizaar Kinsella wrote.

"I said before that I wanted to concentrate on the Euros and when I come back, talks can start,” said Rudiger in August.

"That’s what has happened. Talks have begun so we will see what time brings."

Nick Emms of Absolute Chelsea reported that it remains to be seen whether Rudiger will opt to re-sign with the Blues or he will look for a challenge elsewhere.

Should talks fall through though, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain could possibly swoop in for the German center-back.

The French side has been extremely active during this summer’s transfer window as they were able to sign Sergio Ramos, Georginio Wijnaldum, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Lionel Messi once their contracts expired.

Real Madrid has a glaring hole on defense as well after they allowed Ramos and Raphael Varane to join their new teams.

Real Madrid’s tactics of signing players when their contracts expire are part of their plan to overcome the financial stresses that were borne out of a pandemic, similar to Paris Saint-Germain’s recruitment style this summer.

Both foreign sides are in play to have contract negotiations with Rudiger by the January transfer window if he and Chelsea cannot come to terms before then.