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Thomas Tuchel says Antonio Rudiger’s future is a “no-problem situation” for Chelsea and confirmed the European champions are exploring their options in the transfer market.
Rudiger is only under contract with the Blues until the end of this season and the centre-back is free to talk to clubs from overseas.
Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Juventus are all reportedly eager to sign the Germany international.
Chelsea boss Tuchel says there is no need to “pamper” the 28-year-old in a bid to try and keep him at Stamford Bridge.
Asked if he might need to take Rudiger out for coffees in an attempt to get him to sign a new deal, Tuchel said: “I don’t know it helps if I take him for a lot of coffees, maybe it pushes him out!
“I don’t feel like that he needs a lot of coffees with me. He’s a guy who needs to trust you, who needs to feel the connection, to feel the trust. He needs to feel it by minutes and by actions.
“I don’t feel that he needs a lot of words and a lot of pampering and coffee talks, invitations to dinners and whatever. He is a top professional, this is what he gives, he’s very important.
“Nothing has changed, we are in talks. It’s in good hands. I trust the club 100 per cent and I have full trust in my player, so it’s a no-problem situation for me and obviously also for Toni.
“He can still deliver, he did a fantastic match now in a back four and so he’s super-reliable. Nothing has changed, the points of view have not changed. Once something changes you will be one of the first to know.”
With Ben Chilwell a long-term absentee with a knee injury and the likes of Reece James also sidelined, Tuchel confirmed the London club are looking to add to the squad.
He said on the eve of Saturday’s FA Cup third-round tie with Chesterfield: “We are discussing in talks with staff and board, scouting check possibilities, like they always do.
“Given there are long-term injuries we are looking into the market. We are not under the very highest pressure. Things have to make sense for us personality-wise, position-wise and also for the quality. We have our options and check our options.”
Tuchel says recalling Emerson Palmieri from a loan spell at Lyon could be an option for Chelsea and did not rule out another exit for Ross Barkley during the January transfer window.
Asked about a premature return for Emerson, the German said: “I will not give you any details, but I will not hide from the fact we have a long-term injury with Ben Chilwell.
“Of course, we know and appreciate Emi as a player and a person in general.”
He said of Barkley: “It depends on what Ross wants and what the possibilities are. There is always a chance.”
