Chelsea transfer news: Key player in talks with Real Madrid

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger is reportedly moving closer to the Stamford Bridge exit door.

The German’s current deal is up at the end of the season, meaning he is allowed to talk to clubs abroad in January over a pre-contract agreement.

And, according to The Guardian, talks with Real Madrid have progressed ‘encouraging pace’ after Rudiger snubbed an offer of a new deal worth £140,000-a-week from Chelsea.

Although negotiations can’t officially begin until January 1st, it’s claimed that the 28-year-old’s agent and brother, Sahr Senesie, has met with Madrid President Florentino Perez.

If a deal can be agreed then the Spanish giants, who have won the Champions League a record 13 times, would sign the defender for free at the end of the season.

Rudiger has revitalised his career since the appointment of Thomas Tuchel in January.

Rudiger is a key man for Tuchel.

The 49-time Germany international was previously out of favour under Frank Lampard but has become a key player in Tuchel’s 3-5-2 system.

He played a big part in helping the Blues win the Champions League last season and has started 15 of 16 Premier League and five of six Champions League matches this term.

Chelsea signed Rudiger from AS Roma in the summer of 2017 and he has since played 166 times for the club, scoring nine goals.