Antonio Rudiger is weighing his options as his contract with Chelsea expires

Antonio Rudiger wants to weigh his options before making a decision about his future, but staying at Chelsea beyond the end of the season is still an option.

Rudiger’s contract expires at the end of the season, and his representatives are not currently negotiating an extension with Chelsea.

Although talks between the parties took place earlier this season, the defender is keeping his options open, with foreign clubs able to approach him starting in January.

Rudiger, on the other hand, remains committed to Chelsea, and a decision to extend his contract at Stamford Bridge is not out of the question.

According to Sky Sports News, up to six of Europe’s top clubs are ready to offer the 28-year-old a contract in January before signing him on a free transfer when his Chelsea contract expires next summer.

Bayern Munich is said to be one of those clubs, and Rudiger said earlier this month that he was “honoured” by their interest before adding that he “feels good” at Chelsea.

According to SSN, the Blues will have to make Rudiger one of their highest-paid players if they want to keep him at Stamford Bridge.

The Germany international has previously stated that he will not rush into a decision regarding his future because it will be the “most important” of his career.

Rudiger has been a key player for Chelsea since Thomas Tuchel’s arrival in January, and he played every minute of their run through the knockout stages of the Champions League last season, culminating in a victory over Manchester City in the final.

Tuchel stated earlier this season that he was unconcerned about Rudiger’s situation, stating that his countryman had “not many reasons” to leave Chelsea.

Rudiger appeared to be on his way out of the club after falling out of favour under Frank Lampard a year ago, but he turned down a proposed loan deal away from the club and has since re-established himself under Tuchel.

He has played every minute of Chelsea’s season thus far, with the exception of their Carabao Cup victory over Aston Villa, in which he was rested.