Antonio Rudiger, according to Arsenal icon Paul Merson, reminds him of former Chelsea defender David Luiz.

Merson remarked this in response to Rudiger's anticipated summer departure from Chelsea.

He believes the German international will be a significant loss for Chelsea.

Rudiger is close to signing a free move to Real Madrid, the La Liga winners.

Bayern Munich and Manchester United were also interested in the 29-year-old.

However, the centre-back will sign a four-year contract with Real Madrid after his current term ends at the conclusion of the season.

Merson told Sky Sports, "Rudiger will be a major loss. I can't stress how significant it is going to be."

“If Chelsea played a four at the back, he would not be missed." He can only go and play somewhere in a trio.

“He reminds me of a David Luiz – he will go and chase the ball, close down, go out of position – but in a three he can go and take that chance.”