Bayern deny interest in Chelsea defender Rudiger

Nicholas Hughes

• Updated: 27 Sept 2021 09:45 BST
• 2 min read

Antonio Rudiger is in fine form for Chelsea so far this season, but Bayern Munich sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has distanced the club from any potential move.

The German’s contract at Stamford Bridge is due to expire at the end of the current season, leaving Chelsea with the possibility of losing him for free.

Salihamidzic told DAZN that Bayern have enough depth at centre-back and would not need to make a move for Rudiger, either in January or come season’s end.

“Bayern is really well-staffed at centre-back. We have strengthened ourselves very well and brought in a top player in Upamecano, Lucas Hernandez is there, Tanguy Nianzou is there, Benjamin Pavard can also play inside – we are really very, very well staffed,” he said.

These comments came after Julian Nagelsmann spoke about Rudiger in a press conference last week, saying he would have to see how much money he had left to be able to pinch the 28-year-old from Chelsea – though the comments were largely tongue in cheek.

On those particular comments from the coach, Salihamidzic said it was normal for the coaching and recruitment staff to be keeping an eye on as many talented players as possible across Europe.

“Julian said that about him in the press conference, but he is a coach who sees quite a lot of players – so why shouldn’t he evaluate an international and talk about his strengths,” he said.

“We have had very little time. We didn’t see each other for that long, but we talk a lot about players – sure.”

Chelsea's Rudiger being chased by Bayern, PSG and Real Madrid

Chelsea signed Rudiger from Roma in 2017 for around £34 million after he had impressed in Italy and in Germany for Stuttgart prior to that.

After a so far up-and-down period in England, Rudiger has emerged as a key player in a Chelsea side that has conceded just two goals in the league so far this season.

Real Madrid and PSG are believed to be interested alongside Bayern, while the Blues are said to have opened contract talks within the last week, with Rudiger reportedly demanding £140,000 per week.