Real Madrid reach verbal agreement to sign Chelsea defender Rudiger

Antonio Rüdiger will join Real Madrid, according to the journalist Fabrizio Romano, who says the Spanish club have closed a verbal agreement to sign the Chelsea defender on a free transfer this summer.

Rudiger's contract at Stamford Bridge expires on June 30 and, given his performances, age and the cost involved, he has drawn interest from a range of European clubs.

Per the information, there is still nothing signed with Madrid but they have reached an agreement and a contract is being drawn up by the club's legal team.

At the weekend, Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel confirmed the German international had told him of his desire to leave the English club at the end of the season.

"We fought hard; I fought hard on a personal level," Tuchel said. "We made big offers to him, and the club tried everything. But for some weeks we cannot fight anymore because we have the sanctions. We cannot adjust. We cannot continue, and so it is what it is.”

Chelsea are currently in a tricky position as the process to buy the club drags on following the sanctions imposed on the current owner Roman Abramovic by the British government due to the Russian invasion in Ukraine.

Rudiger represents another good free signing for Madrid, following the arrival of David Alaba from Bayern Munich last summer.

He is the second defender to leave Chelsea this summer. Andreas Christensen, who is also out of contract, will join Barcelona.