Antonio Rudiger will officially leave Chelsea at the conclusion of this season, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The exit has been rumored for awhile, so manager Thomas Tuchel's official announcement comes as no surprise. Rudiger will join Andreas Christensen as defenders set to leave Stamford Bridge after the season. The German has spent six seasons with Chelsea, evolving into one of the soccer's best defenders in the process.

Talks between Rudiger and Real Madrid seem to be advanced, as they've been the reported frontrunner all along. Manchester United and others have reported interest, but Real Madrid has always made the most sense. David Alaba was signed by Real Madrid last offseason in an expensive transfer. Alaba and Rudiger would form perhaps the best CB duo in the world. It would leave Eder Militao as the odd man out in the regular starting lineup.

If the move happens, Rudiger would join Christensen in La Liga in Spain, as he's headed to the opposing El Clasico side in Barcelona. Chelsea's now tasked with replacing two starting defenders. 22-year-old Trevoh Chalobah has seen extended playing time this season and will likely get a chance. In the meantime, 37-year-old Thiago Silva continues to defeat Father Time.

The moves are just the beginning of what may be a long offseason for the reigning European champions. Unfortunately, they are in the midst of sanctions imposed by the UK government, halting owner Roman Abramovich's assets. They'll lose a ton of money in the process, forcing players to leave and not allowing them to sign players in the upcoming summer transfer window.