Thomas Tuchel urges patience as Antonio Rudiger’s contract remains unresolved

The key defender is due to be a free agent after this season

Antonio Rudiger remains in an uncertain situation with his Chelsea contract expiring next summer (Mike Egerton/PA) (PA Wire)

Thomas Tuchel has issued renewed calls for “patience” amid Antonio Rudiger’s uncertain Chelsea future.

Rudiger’s current Chelsea contract expires next summer and the Germany defender can talk to rival suitors next month.

Real Madrid, Paris St Germain and Juventus are understood to be prepared to make highly lucrative contract offers to the 28-year-old.

Fellow defenders Andreas Christensen, Cesar Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva also have expiring contracts but boss Tuchel remains unfazed about the scenario.

Juventus’ Matthis De Ligt, Sevilla’s Jules Kounde and Leicester’s Wesley Fofana all remain interested in a west London move should the Blues step up a defensive recruitment drive for next summer.

Asked if no player is bigger than Chelsea or if Rudiger’s situation remains crucial to the Blues’ immediate future, Tuchel replied: “Both. Both answers are correct.

“It is super important and as I understood myself and everybody else, we absolutely accept the importance, we’re fully aware of the importance of Toni and the role that he’s playing on and off the pitch.

“There is no doubt in that and yes, it’s true, nobody is bigger than the club, nobody. This is a team effort, and it is a team game, and it is a strong club, and it is about the club.

“It is also not about me and it is not only about Toni. And I mean that in the best way, because we know what he’s doing and we’re fully aware of it. So both answers are right and in the end we need a bit of patience. I have no update right now.”

Denmark defender Christensen is still expected to extend his Chelsea contract without too many further issues.

Veteran Brazil stopper Silva should sign on for at least another campaign at Stamford Bridge, too.

Club captain Azpilicueta has attracted serious interest from Barcelona, with a host of top European outfits eyeing high-profile free-transfer deals amid the continued economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.

Rudiger has excelled under Tuchel’s tactical regimen and even-handed stewardship, rising to new heights when Chelsea lifted last term’s Champions League crown.

The powerful centre-back has been in continued lofty form this term too, and Tuchel has backed him not to let the contract situation affect his play.

“With Toni I don’t think so, I don’t think there’s a dip in form really,” he said. “He’s played so much that he had needed a break and we gave that to him and I honestly expect him to be in top shape now.”