Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti joked that he did not know who Antonio Rudiger was as the Chelsea defender closes in on a switch to the Santiago Bernabeu.
The German is out of contract at the end of the season, with UK Government sanctions preventing the Blues from negotiating an extended stay at west London.
There was fleeting hope that despite the looming threat of an exit, Chelsea would be able to tie down the former AS Roma man to a new deal. That does now not appear to be the case, with Rudiger choosing to wave goodbye to the club after five years - boss Thomas Tuchel confirming that decision.
Speaking last week, he said: “The situation is that he wants to leave the club. He informed me of this is in a private talk.
“We gave everything - me and the club - but we could not fight anymore because of the actions. Without the sanctions, we would at least be able to carry on fighting, but our hands are tied. We don't take it personally. It is his decision.”
Whilst Rudiger is set to depart Chelsea, it appears that Spanish giants Real Madrid could be his next employers. It is being reported that Los Blancos have ‘agreed’ a deal for the German defender for him to arrive at the Santiago Bernabeu on a free transfer this summer.
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Amid his side’s entertaining 4-3 defeat to Manchester City in the Champions League semi-finals on Tuesday evening, Real boss Ancelotti was quizzed on his side’s interest in the defender. The Italian refused to be drawn on the rumours - even cracking a joke in the process.
Speaking with beIN Sports, he said: "Toni Rudiger? Toni who? Who’s this? He's still a Chelsea player. I can’t say anything about this."
Rudiger might not be the only defender to wave goodbye to Stamford Bridge this summer. Andreas Christensen is also out of contract and has been linked with a switch to Spain - Barcelona emerging as contenders for the Dane’s services.
Meanwhile, captain Cesar Azpilicueta has an uncertain future with the Blues despite having seen his contract extended by a year until 2023. Chelsea did also manage to extend the stay of veteran Brazilian Thiago Silva.
Whilst Real Madrid certainly remain in contention to sign Rudiger sooner rather than later, they saw their hopes of reaching yet another Champions League final handed a considerable blow at the Etihad. Goals from Kevin de Bruyne and Gabriel Jesus saw Manchester City race into an early advantage, before Karim Benzema hauled the Spaniards back into the game.
Phil Foden and Vinicius Jr then exchanged further strikes, with Bernardo Silva then extending the hosts’ advantage before Benzema had the final say with an extraordinarily cool penalty. The second-leg takes place at the Santiago Bernabeu next week.
