Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger is set to leave the club after five years at Stamford Bridge once the German defender's contract expires this summer.
Rudiger has reportedly agreed a deal to join Spanish giants Real Madrid next season after failing to agree a new deal with the Blues. Thomas Tuchel confirmed that the 29-year-old admitting the club 'gave everything' to try to keep Rudiger at the club but the ongoing sanctions placed on the club didn't help Chelsea's position when negotiating.
The Germany international has won the Champions League, Europa League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and FA Cup with the Blues since signing from Roma back in 2017. Former Arsenal player Paul Merson believes that Chelsea legend Frank Lampard is to blame for Rudiger leaving the club this summer.
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In his latest SkySports column, Paul Merson explained that he believes former Blues boss and club icon Frank Lampard was to blame for Rudiger leaving the club this summer after the way the German defender was treated during Lampard's tenure. Merson said: "Losing Rudiger to Real Madrid is going to break Chelsea's heart - but his mind was made up 18 months ago with the way he was treated by Lampard."
Under Lampard, Rudiger only made four starts from a possible 18 before Tuchel replaced the now Everton manager midway through the 2020/21 season. The 29-year-old became a key player under the German boss and has elevated his performances to become one of the best central defenders in the Premier League.
Merson continued: "He got completely binned out the team by Lampard and I think that left a lasting effect on Rudiger. That's when he decided that he's not signing a new contract.
"Chelsea are letting a £70million-£80million defender go on a free transfer and they're going to bring someone in for £70million who will be nowhere as good as Rudiger. They're going to have to strengthen in defence as Rudiger and Andreas Christensen are going to leave."
Christensen withdrew himself from the Chelsea squad prior to the FA Cup final defeat against Liverpool and looks set to leave the club this summer on a free as well. Trevoh Chalobah deputised in defence and performed well, but Merson believes the Blues will need a few more reinforcements with Rudiger and Christensen set to leave.
Merson said: "I like Trevoh Chalobah but they play three at the back so they'll need to bring in another defender. If Real Madrid and Barcelona came calling then you went, but I don't see that anymore. Chelsea are as good as Real Madrid, you can see that in the Champions League quarter-final."
With Todd Boehly's £4.25billion takeover set to be confirmed ahead of the summer transfer window, Tuchel is expected to be backed heavily to strengthen the defence and other areas of the squad. Jules Kounde was linked with the Blues last summer and the club could look to reignite talks this summer with Rudiger moving to Madrid.
