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Chelsea boss Frank Lampard approves transfer exit but negotiations proving tricky
Chelsea are expected to have a number of players leave the club before the end of the transfer window.
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Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has reportedly given his seal of approval to Antonio Rudiger leaving the club before the close of the transfer window. Rudiger had established himself as a regular at Chelsea and was one of the first names on the team sheet for Lampard last season.
But he's dropped far down the pecking order this season having not played a single minute so far of the new campaign.
After being named on the bench for the opening fixture against Brighton, Rudiger has since been left out of the matchday squad altogether.
Lampard was coy when recently asked about Rudiger's future ahead of the October 5 transfer deadline.
"I wouldn't assume anything," he said.
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"I wouldn't assume with Antonio or any other players in the squad.
"We're not there until next Monday when the window shuts so other than that I would have no assumptions."
But speculation continues to grow about Rudiger's possible exit from Stamford Bridge.
Thiago Silva's arrival at Chelsea means Lampard currently has an abundance of options at centre-back.
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Andreas Christensen and Kurt Zouma were the preferred options through the opening two league games while Fikayo Tomori appears to be the fourth choice.
And Rudiger looks as though he's close to leaving the Blues.
According to RMC Sport, Lampard has already agreed with Rudiger that him leaving is the best solution.
Paris Saint-Germain are said to be the top contenders for his signature with talks ongoing regarding a move.
However, negotiations are proving tricky with Chelsea wanting the 27-year-old sold permanently.
PSG though are reportedly only willing to offer a loan deal.
Tottenham are also said to be interested in signing Rudiger with Jose Mourinho keen to bolster his defensive options.
Spurs have been strongly linked with a move for Milan Skriniar, but Inter Milan's asking price is proving too high.