Paul Merson believes Antonio Rudiger is leaving Chelsea because he was cast aside by Frank Lampard, who left the club more than a year and a half ago.
"Losing Antonio 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 Frank Lampard.
"Rudiger 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 £70m-80m defender go on a free transfer, and they're going to bring someone in for £70m in that 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. I like Trevoh Chalobah, but they play three at the back, so they'll need to bring in another defender."
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