Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger will ‘be gone’ if a team comes in and matches his wage demands, according to journalist Paul Brown.

The 28-year-old has entered the final six months of his current contract with the Blues and could depart the club as a free agent following the conclusion of 2021/22.

What is the latest news involving Rudiger?

According to the Daily Mail, Rudiger, who currently earns £100,000-per-week has already rebuffed two approaches from Chelsea as he seeks a significant pay rise.

It’s believed the Stamford Bridge outfit have seen offers of £140,000-per-week and £200,000-per-week turned down, with the 49-cap Germany international holding out for a significantly higher wage packet.

The report goes on to claim that both Real Madrid and Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain have made Rudiger pre-contract approaches and that he knows he can demand up to £400,000-per-week should he leave on a free transfer.

And now The Mirror have reported that Premier League rivals Manchester United are also keen to prise the centre-back away from Chelsea as doubts over Harry Maguire continue to grow.

Rudiger is thought be leaving a decision on his future until the end of the season, though, with his focus remaining on Chelsea’s push for trophies.

What has Brown said about Rudiger?

The defender has been a mainstay in Thomas Tuchel’s side this term despite his ongoing situation, racking up 36 appearances across all competitions.

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Nevertheless, Brown believes he will exit Chelsea over the summer if a potential suitor pays him ‘the sort of money he wants’.

He told GiveMeSport: “Rudiger, I think it purely depends on who comes in for him and what they offer. If he gets the sort of money he wants, I think he'll be gone, basically.”

Would losing Rudiger be a big blow?

Rudiger has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most dominant defenders since arriving from AS Roma for an initial fee of £29 million back in July 2017.

Since then, the 6 foot 3 beast has racked up 10 goals and seven assists in 185 outings for the capital club, claiming a plethora of silverware along the way.

A trophy haul consisting of a Champions League crown, FA Cup, Europa League, FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup has marked Rudiger’s time in west London and ensured he will go down in the club’s history.

Therefore, Rudiger’s potential exit would likely leave a huge hole in Chelsea’s backline next term, denting their hopes of claiming a first Premier League title since 2016/17.