Rudiger could become one of the highest paid defenders

Chelsea defender and Germany international Antonio Rudiger are on their way to becoming one of the most expensive defenders in Europe.

This comes as the Mirror UK revealed that the German defender could receive a new wage worth $400,000 per week if he decides to move abroad.

Rudiger contract with the Blues is expected to lapse this season, and so far, he has refused to agree to new terms to remain at the club.

He has been linked with transfer moves to Italian Seria A club, Juventus and German side, Bayern Munich, who are in the habit of swooping on free players.

If Rudiger fails to reach a new agreement with the Blues, he would be allowed to start discussing new terms with other clubs and could leave Chelsea for free at the end of the season.

The German defender is keeping his options open after Chelsea offered him a new contract worth just £130,000-a-week.

The deal is, however, low compared to what Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku, the same age as Rudiger, is currently being paid £350,000-a-week

If Rudiger fails to reach a new agreement with the Blues before the January transfer window, he would be sold as they also hope to make some cash off his sales.