Antonio Rüdiger decides his future: Not the news Chelsea fans wanted

According to Fabrizio Romano: defender Antonio Rüdiger will leave Chelsea at the end of the season as a free agent with Real Madrid close to landing the defender.

Respectively, Rüdiger has been tight-lipped on his Stamford Bridge situation, not giving any idea if he will renew his contract or not. He is reaching the final few months and has been linked with moves to Bayern Munich, Manchester United, PSG, and Real Madrid.

Despite news now suggesting that Antonio Rüdiger will leave the Blues at the end of his current deal, Munich could have tapped out of the race already; the player’s wage demand is too high and they are not prepared to meet his £200k-a-week asking — especially for a player of his age.

"Bayern Munich are out of the race to sign Antonio Rudiger on a free transfer this summer, considering the Chelsea defender too old to be worth the enormous wages he is asking for.The 29-year-old is out of contract at Stamford Bridge at the end of the season, so would not cost a new club any money in a transfer fee, but the Germany international wants a serious salary in his next deal.His wage demands of around £200,000-a-week are why Chelsea have not agreed a new contract with him, and it seems that Bayern have taken that approach as well. (Via: metro.co.uk)"

This is the reason why many believe Los Blancos are in the lead and why they are close to agreeing to a deal with the German. With the news that the 29-year-old is not prepared to wait until the end of the current campaign for new owners to come and handle player affairs, he thinks he should find a new challenge and part ways with Chelsea.

"Antonio Rüdiger will leave Chelsea on a free transfer as he can’t wait more than 2 months for new owners. No bid on the table. He’s always been respectful – but it’s time for a new challenge. It’s over.Real Madrid are close to find an agreement to sign Rüdiger.(Via: @FabrizioRomano)"

Including Antonio Rüdiger, Chelsea will be missing some big names next season

Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta are poised to leave Stamford Bridge next season for Barcelona. Like their German teammate, they too have deals that expire at the end of the season and have been in a contract standoff ever since opening discussions over new deals.

This leaves Chelsea with heavy Blues, no doubt. They will lose three world-class center-backs, having made no money from their departures.

All three defenders cost Chelsea a combined fee of £36m. The London side would have received more than that total for one player — which would have displayed amazing business.