To get news directly on the go, download the Real Chelsea Fans App

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger is in the final year of his contract with the club, and so far, the German is yet to reach an agreement with Chelsea over a contract extension.

Rudiger has been a top player for Chelsea under Thomas Tuchel, and the German is currently regarded as one of the best centre-backs in the world.

Former Chelsea defender Mario Melchiot has warned Chelsea to do everything possible to keep Rudiger, and claimed that the club may not be able to find someone like the 28-year-old if he leaves.

“If you ask me, do they have to keep Rudiger, yes they’ve got to do everything to keep him,” said the former Chelsea defender.

“Because if not, they’ve got to go look for someone that is identical.

“You’ve got to get someone who fits the system, you’ve got to buy and spend a lot of money on that person.

“Whilst you have a guy that knows the system, knows everybody, he enjoys it, he wants to win every time and he plays for the manager.

“That’s also very important. We all know, if we play and we don’t have a manager in front of us we don’t want to give 100%, why are we playing?”