Real Madrid are close to signing Chelsea defender Antonio Rüdiger on a free transfer after reaching a verbal agreement on a lucrative four-year deal.
After deciding to leave Chelsea when his contract expires at the end of the season, Rüdiger conducted constructive negotiations with the Bernabéu club’s hierarchy over the weekend and is poised to get a significant salary raise.
Carlo Ancelotti, Real’s manager, has highlighted the Germany international as a vital addition, and while the deal has not yet been completed, it is expected to be completed soon.
The 29-year-old is set to earn a weekly salary of at least £200,000.
Negotiations with the 29-year-old centre-back broke down after Chelsea offered him a contract worth at least £200,000 a week, only to be met with a demand for a signing-on bonus and large fees for the player’s agents.
The negotiations ended with Rüdiger rejecting Chelsea’s offer, and the club’s ownership uncertainty has played a significant role in his likely exit.
The former Roma defender decided to seek a new challenge rather than wait for Abramovich to sell the club.
Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Manchester United, Juventus, and PSG have all expressed interest in Rüdiger, but Real Madrid is believed to be his next destination.
