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Thomas Tuchel has called upon the Chelsea hierarchy to bring an ongoing saga to a close after surprising figures were hinted to be preventing a breakthrough, per a report.

Chelsea made no secret of their desire to land a new centre-half over the summer. Sevilla’s Jules Kounde was frequently linked, though a deal ultimately failed to materialise.

The Blues’ defensive corps has arguably been the strongest and most critical component of Tuchel’s success at Stamford Bridge.

However, several of their first-team stars are in the final years of their contract, most notably Antonio Rudiger.

The German, 28, will be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs in January. Bayern Munich, PSG and Real Madrid have all been credited with interest.

Indeed, Real’s desire to land Rudiger is reportedly so strong, the idea of accelerating their plans and launching a January raid has been touted.

Now, per the Express, Tuchel has seemingly made his move with Chelsea’s board.

They cite ‘sources close’ to Rudiger that claim Tuchel has ‘urged’ the club to ‘tie down a deal soon’.

But while the manager is doing his part, a set of surprising figures are cited that are hindering progress.

Rudiger is stated to currently earn £100,000-per-week. That figure is less than the likes of Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, both who rarely feature.

Furthermore, it’s stated Chelsea have offered Rudiger fresh terms with a pay-rise included. However, the increase was just £25,000 – a relatively small reward given Rudiger’s vital importance to the team.

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Tuchel connection key for Chelsea, Nkunku hopes

Meanwhile, Chelsea have joined the chase for RB Leipzig midfielder and Manchester City target Christopher Nkunku, according to reports.

The former Paris Saint-Germain product has played under Thomas Tuchel at PSG before. Now, Foot Mercato speculate a reunion.

The French outlet believes there are three concrete suitors for Nkunku. The others are Manchester City and Real Madrid. City’s interest was revealed recently after he scored a hat-trick against them in the Champions League.

Madrid, meanwhile, are always keen to pick up top talent from across the continent. They are said to be keen to sign him next summer thanks to their good relationship with his agent Pini Zahavi.

But Chelsea may have an advantage thanks to the presence of Tuchel, who showed his faith in Nkunku in Paris. He was unable to keep him there, but the way the 23-year-old has progressed since could lead to a transfer on the horizon.

READ MORE: Tuchel names two reasons he ‘didn’t trust’ Chelsea star as plan laid out

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