Rudiger agrees deal with Real Madrid ahead of free transfer in summer

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger has agreed a four-year deal to join Real Madrid on a free transfer in the summer.

Rudiger will officially join Real on July 1 on a deal to be worth €400,000 (£342,000) per week.

The Germany international’s Chelsea contract expires at the end of the season and Blues boss Thomas Tuchel revealed last month the defender had decided to reject a new deal at Stamford Bridge.

A number of clubs across Europe – including in the Premier League – were interested in Rudiger. However, Real were the first club to formally express an interest in signing him this summer, and the 29-year-old is thought to be flattered and impressed by Real’s pursuit.

Remaining at Chelsea was a possibility for Rudiger, but the sanctions placed on the club’s owner Roman Abramovich made talks over extending his deal impossible.