Chelsea have initiated contract talks with key defender Antonio Rudiger about extending his stay at Stamford Bridge, claims Sky Sports.
Rudiger's existing deal is not due to expire until 2022 but Chelsea are keen to secure the centre-back's long-term future to ward off interest from Bundesliga sides Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.
Chelsea's defending has left head coach Frank Lampard frustrated at times during the 2019/20 campaign and wholesale changes are expected during the next transfer window.
However, Rudiger has stepped forward as a key figure at the back for Chelsea this season and the Blues want to reward the Germany international with terms to reflect his importance.
Chelsea would like to offer Rudiger a fresh three-year deal with an option to a further 12 months, which would effectively tie down the 27-year-old until the summer of 2024.
Rudiger only made one Premier League appearance from August until the start of December due to injury but quickly cemented his position as Lampard's first-choice centre-back thereafter.
Chelsea are conceding fewer goals per game in the league in 2019/20 with Rudiger in the starting XI (1.15) compared to when he has not featured from the off (1.5).
Furthermore, half of the clean sheets Chelsea have kept in the Premier League this season (3/6) have come with Rudiger in the starting XI despite the fact he has only featured 13 times.
