Tuchel's 'Untouchable' $38M Star Close To Chelsea Exit, Reaches Verbal Agreement With Real Madrid: Reports

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger is reportedly close to joining Real Madrid in the summer of 2022.

Despite the efforts from Thomas Tuchel, who considers Rudiger "untouchable," to stop the France national from leaving Chelsea, the center-back has reached a verbal agreement with Real Madrid, reported Spanish publication El Nacional. The Madrid side is sure that it would land Rudiger, along with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) superstar Kylian Mbappe, for free in the summer of 2022.

Rudiger, who has less than six months left on his current Chelsea contract, will be free to negotiate with foreign clubs from Jan. 1. He has turned down Chelsea's opening offer of around $184,850-a-week as he wants his new contract to be close to $264,060-a-week, The Guardian reported.

Rudiger, who earns a weekly wage of $118,840, has been instrumental for the Blues, helping them win the Champions League last season. The French defender believes he deserves to be among the top earners at Chelsea.

The 28-year-old, who is set to sign a four-year deal with Real Madrid, has asked his half-brother and agent, Sahr Senesie, to find him a house in the La Finca area, one of the most expensive places to live in Madrid, the El Nacional report claimed.

Following the departure of Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos, Real Madrid bought just one defender – David Alaba. While Eder Militao has been impressive this season, Carlo Ancelotti's quality defense options right now are restricted to these two. Therefore, Real Madrid are eager to land Rudiger to boost their defense.

It was earlier reported that Rudiger was in talks with Chelsea's Premier League rivals Manchester City, while the defender was also being chased by PSG and Juventus.

Rudiger, who moved from Roma to Chelsea in 2017, has a current market value of around $38 million, according to Transfermarkt. Since Rudiger's arrival at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea have won quite a few trophies, including the Champions League, Europa League, FA Cup and Super Cup.

Apart from Rudiger, Tuchel is also facing contract issues with his other defenders, including captain Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen, with both their contracts expiring at the end of the 2021-22 season.