Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger is still yet to sign a new deal for the club and has been sent a warning over his conduct.
The German has been one of Thomas Tuchel's standout players in 2021, and Rudiger's hand in both of Chelsea's penalties during a 3-2 win over Leeds proved his worth yet again.
Rudiger is free to leave Chelsea at the end of the season when his current deal expires, and although talks are reportedly still ongoing, it's looking ever more likely that he will leave Stamford Bridge.
This will come as a major blow to Chelsea, as former Premier League defender Martin Keown heaped praise on Rudiger, despite admitting he can "walk a tightrope at times".
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The latest contract update on Rudiger according to Fabrizio Romano is that the Chelsea defender has been in talks with the club over a new deal for months, but an agreement is still far from being reached.
As it stands, Rudiger is free to speak to foreign clubs in January about a potential move next summer, and Real Madrid appear his most likely destination due to the German's apparent wage demands.
Due to Rudiger's required salary, it has ruled out both Bayern Munich and Tottenham as the pair are unwilling to match the German's salary, meaning that Chelsea are facing a race against time to prevent another one of their stars leaving for Los Blancos, as Eden Hazard did back in 2019.
And former Premier League defender Martin Keown has piled the praise on Rudiger, detailing how Chelsea have to keep hold of the German, even if he can be 'too aggressive'.
Speaking after Chelsea's 3-2 win over Leeds on Match of The Day, Keown said: "He’s a real driving force for Chelsea – I love watching him play. I was an aggressive defender myself, but I think this guy takes it to another level.
"When he gets the ball, he likes to run forward. The fans love him there because he makes things happen. Defensively – he’s so aggressive. He just shuts the door. So aggressive, strong, and he really leads from the back.
"He’s a nuisance to play against and he’s been outstanding for them."
Keown did have one criticism of Rudiger though, as he said: "I do think with [N’Golo] Kante not in the side at time he goes running after things a little bit too much.
"He’s got to keep a lid on this, he walks a little bit of a tightrope at times, he’s a little bit too aggressive."
Rudiger is certainly known for his aggressive playing style, but it's without a doubt that the German has been one of the best Premier League defender's since Tuchel took charge at Chelsea, and unless they can resolve his situation, it'll be a huge blow for the Blues.
