Blow for Chelsea as first team ace reaches an agreement with Real Madrid

Transfer News: Real Madrid already have an agreement in place to sign Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger

According to transfer news on The Independent, Antonio Rudiger is set to depart Chelsea in the summer, with his agent already having an informal agreement in place with Real Madrid.

The 28-year-old has been the driving force at the back for the Blues this season. He has been a regular in the side since the arrival of Thomas Tuchel in January. However, the centre-back might be playing his final season in the famous blue jersey.

His contract is up in the summer and his brother/agent, Sahr Senesie, has already talked to a couple of clubs about a potential move. Senesie apparently already has an informal agreement in place with 13-time European champions, Real Madrid.

He has also talked to Bayern Munich, who are looking to pip Madrid to the German international’s signature. Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are also in the race to sign the defender. But he is keen on a move abroad if he cannot agree to a new deal with Chelsea.

Perhaps for the best

The Blues have tried their best to keep Rudiger at the club, but the current terms are not ‘lucrative’ enough for him to stay. He might be looking for a massive paycheck since this could be the last time he can negotiate for a big deal, given his age.

Tuchel wants his fellow countryman to stay at the club and is determined to do so. But the London outfit cannot be held ransom by any player. Moreover, there is no certainty that the defender will be playing at the top of his game, well into his 30s. He does not appear to be slowing down, but there is always the risk of him picking up injuries.

Eden Hazard has experienced that issue at the Spanish capital. N’Golo Kante has also had his fair share of knocks in the last couple of years. Ideally, he should stay at the club beyond the season since he already knows the players, the system, the country and gels with the manager. Whether that will happen remains to be seen.

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But if his demands do not align with the club, he is not the only option in the market. Chelsea have been linked with Jules Kounde and Matthijs de Ligt in recent months, and both defenders have high potential and could become a mainstay in the side for several years.

The Blues also possess Trevoh Chalobah and Malang Sarr waiting on the sidelines to gain a starting spot. Thus, it would not be an ideal situation if Rudiger decides to leave, but it could be for the best in the long term.