Antonio Rudiger's imminent transfer decision is only the surface of Chelsea's contract crisis

"And now the end is near" might be the start of one of Frank Sinatra's most famous tunes, a dramatic tale fitting to underscore any conclusion. After months of speculation, we will likely finally find out Antonio Rudiger's way, either staying a part of life under Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge or departing for pastures new at only a handful of Europe's fellow richest clubs.

As Simon Johnson from The Athletic reported on Tuesday, the defender wants to make a decision on his future by the end of this month, as the club's takeover process drags on.

Rudiger, along with Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta, has dominated the internal concern over contracts this season. Before the sanctioning of Roman Abramovich by the UK Government, they appeared to be of greatest concern to most supporters, particularly the future of Rudiger, who has transformed into one of the club's most valuable players over the past 12 months.

But the defensive trio only scratch the surface of where the club's contract headaches lie. The situation is concerning beyond the three players mentioned.

Only three players currently contracted to the club have four years left. Those three are Romelu Lukaku, Armando Broja and Trevoh Chalobah. Edouard Mendy, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Ben Chilwell, Levi Colwill, Malang Sarr, Reece James, Conor Gallagher, Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner and Kai Havertz are on three years left.

Then of most concern, you start to get into the group of players with two years or below, usually when negotiations over a new deal should be of priority, or you start to consider selling them on. Those on two are Mateo Kovacic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Kenedy, Timeoue Bakayoko and Ethan Ampadu.

Th