Transfer Centre

Antonio Rudiger 'will leave Chelsea on a free transfer this summer'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 23 April 2022

Antonio Rudiger will reportedly leave Chelsea on a free transfer at the end of June, with Real Madrid closing in on the centre-back's signature.

Antonio Rudiger has reportedly decided to leave Chelsea on a free transfer this summer, with Real Madrid closing in on the centre-back's signature.

The 29-year-old has made 196 appearances for the Blues since arriving from Roma in 2017, including 47 outings in all competitions this term, contributing five goals and four assists in the process.

Rudiger has been a vital player for Chelsea since Thomas Tuchel's arrival as head coach, but his contract at Stamford Bridge is due to expire at the end of June.

The London club are currently unable to renew his deal due to the sanctions placed on owner Roman Abramovich, and according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the club's off-the-field issues will see them lose the defender on a free transfer.

Romano claims that Rudiger has 'always been respectful', but he is now keen on 'a new challenge', with Real Madrid in advanced talks with the German over a move to Bernabeu.

Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain have also been heavily linked with his signature, but the defender is seemingly set to join Carlo Ancelotti's side.

Rudiger missed Chelsea's 4-2 defeat to Arsenal on Wednesday due to a groin problem and will again be absent for Sunday's league clash with West Ham United.