Antonio Rudiger is expected to sign for Real Madrid after telling Chelsea he will not be signing a new contract.
The Germany star has reached an agreement with the La Liga club over what is understood to be an initial four-year contract at the Bernebeu. The total package will far surpass the £230,000-per-week deal Chelsea were offering Rudiger to stay at Stamford Bridge.
According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid are close to winning the race to sign Rudiger.
“Real Madrid have reached verbal agreement with Antonio Rudiger,” tweeted Romano.
“Contract not signed yet – but Real Madrid are now closing on Rudiger deal on a free: here we go soon! #RealMadrid
“It’s gonna be a long-term deal. Final details to be discussed soon, before signing the contract.”
The Spanish giants made their first official offer to Rudiger in January and have viewed the Blues star as a priority signing ever since.
All the necessary paperwork for the move still needs to be completed but it now looks clear that Rudiger will become a Real Madrid player next season.
It was confirmed by Thomas Tuchel after Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over West Ham that the German international will leave the club at the end of his contract this summer.
Government sanctions left the club with their ‘hands tied’, with Real Madrid, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus holding talks with the German.
Rudiger has been with Chelsea since 2017 but has stalled on signing a new deal at Stamford Bridge, with the Premier League club reportedly unwilling to match his wage demands.
Apex Football News 