CHELSEA will open contract talks with Antonio Rudiger after the Euros following his resurgence under Thomas Tuchel.
The German, 28, has been sensational since returning to Chelsea’s XI following Frank Lampard’s January sacking.
The Blues finished fourth in the table, having looked destined to miss out on a Champions League spot.
They are also in this year’s final against Manchester City, who they face on Saturday.
And Chelsea also suffered a narrow FA Cup final defeat to Leicester over a week ago.
Rudiger’s current contract expires in 2022, which could see him attract interest from other clubs.
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However, Chelsea are ready to hand the ex-Roma man improved terms on a fresh deal after Tuchel praised his performances.
The Blues boss said: “Nothing is better than what he is doing for a new contract.
“If he wants to have a new contract he has our full support to stay at the club.
“He is speaking with his performances. He has been amazing since day one.”
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And Rudiger says he would be delighted to extend his Stamford Bridge stay.
The centre-back told Kicker: “That’s nice (to hear) and I’m happy too.
“You always make your decisions to some extent dependent on the coaching staff, but in the long term you can never rely on them anyway.
“After the European Championships, we can talk.”
Looking ahead to Saturday’s European final against City, Rudiger added: “City will have the ball more often that we do, we know that.
“But in the back row there are more or less direct duels. Every defender should have the courage to play one-on-one duels.
“Surely, Gundogan, Foden, Mahrez, De Bruyne – you can’t give them all a lot of space.
“If we don’t get high into midfield pressing and play the balls to the top, then you have to work hard and, above all, be willing to suffer.”
