Chelsea would be taking a huge risk if they fail to persuade Antonio Rudiger to sign a new contract, according to journalist Paul Brown.
What's the latest news involving Rudiger?
Rudiger's £100,000-per-week contract is due to expire next summer and Chelsea are keen to keep hold of the central defender.
He has become a key part of head coach Thomas Tuchel's plans since the German's appointment as head coach in January, with Rudiger playing every minute of the Blues' Premier League season so far.
However, Chelsea have been frustrated in their efforts to tie the 47-cap Germany international down to an extended contract as Rudiger stalled over the club's offer of a new £140,000-per-week deal last month, putting a number of European giants on alert.
Despite the blow, Tuchel has claimed Rudiger does not have many reasons to leave Stamford Bridge for a new challenge elsewhere.
Rudiger has had a hugely successful spell since moving to west London from Roma for an initial fee of £29million four years ago.
He has already helped Chelsea to clinch silverware this season, in the form of the Super Cup, while he has also got his hands on the Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup during his stint with the Blues.
What has Paul Brown said about Rudiger's contract situation?
Brown claims Chelsea would be taking a risk if they allow Rudiger to run down his contract and head elsewhere for free next summer.
The journalist has called on the Blues to come to an agreement with the 28-year-old.
Brown told GIVEMESPORT: "I think it would be more of a risk to let him go.
"Chelsea have a way of making money every summer. They signed Romelu Lukaku for all that money and still ended up in profit from sending out deadwood and getting rid of a lot of fringe players.
Ronaldo scores LAST-MINUTE winner as Chelsea LOSE to Juve! Check out all the Champions League reaction on The Football Terrace...
"Sometimes you worry about breaking the wage structure if you splash a load of money on wages for a player, but I don't think it's something that should concern Chelsea too much.
"I don't think he's asking for anything massively outlandish."
What clubs are interested in signing Rudiger?
It is thought that Chelsea will have to make Rudiger one of the club's biggest earners if they want to keep him on board as six of European football's top clubs are reportedly ready to offer the German a pre-contract in January ahead of a free transfer.
Reports suggest that Rudiger is set to make himself one of the highest paid defenders in history by taking a £400,000-per-week pay packet abroad, with Bayern Munich and Juventus among those lying in wait.
Speaking to DAZN, via Sky Sports Germany, Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic distanced the reigning Bundesliga champions from a potential deal.
However, Bayern head coach Julian Nagelsmann has spoken highly of Rudiger.