Antonio Rudiger's "priority" is to stay at Chelsea and sign a new contract amid the speculation surrounding his future, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The 28-year-old's deal at Stamford Bridge is due to expire next June, and a number of clubs, including Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, are thought to be looking to sign him on a free transfer.

Various reports have claimed that Rudiger is keen to leave the Blues to seek pastures new.

According to Romano, the Germany international wants to stay with his Premier League club, but an agreement is "far from being reached" and "many clubs" are interested.

"Toni Rudiger situation. Rudiger priority is to stay, talks are still ongoing between Chelsea and his agents - but the agreement is 'far from being reached', as things stand now... many clubs interested in signing Rudiger in case he'll be a free agent. The race is open," the Italian wrote on social media.

The defender, who moved to Stamford Bridge from Roma in 2017, has been a key player for Thomas Tuchel since his arrival as Chelsea manager.