Chelsea announces second most expensive signing in history.

After parting ways with several defensive stars, Chelsea finally brought in centre-back Antonio Rudiger from AS Roma in a £34 million deal.

The German center-back was reportedly linked with Chelsea last year, but it wasn't until this summer transfer window that The Blues agreed on a transfer fee with the Serie A club.

Rudiger has signed a five-year contract with Chelsea and will inherit the number 2 shirt left vacant by Branislav Ivanovic, who moved to Zenit in January.

The 24-year-old center-back had two successful seasons with AS Roma after leaving Stuttgart. In the 2016/17 Serie A season, Rudiger played 26 matches, helping Roma finish second in the league table.

In fact, this player has a contract with Roma until 2020, however, the allure of the reigning Premier League champions is simply irresistible. Before Antonio Rudiger, Chelsea had already brought in goalkeeper Willy Caballero on a free transfer.

Antonio Rudiger has officially joined Chelsea.

"It's a fantastic feeling because not everyone gets the chance to wear the shirt of a club of this caliber," Rudiger shared on the club's official website. "I'm looking forward to meeting my new teammates and I'm proud to officially become a Chelsea player."

Speaking about the new signing, Chelsea's technical director Michael Emenalo affirmed that Rudiger possesses all the qualities to shine in a demanding league like the Premier League.

"Rudiger is young but already has experience playing at both club and national team levels. He possesses all the necessary qualities to shine in the Premier League."

With the arrival of Antonio Rudiger, coach Conte will have more quality options in defense after the departures of John Terry (to Aston Villa) and Nathan Ake (to Bournemouth).

Rudiger impressed at the Confederations Cup in Russia this past summer, helping Germany win the title after a 1-0 victory over Chile in the final. To date, the former Roma star has made a total of 17 appearances for the national team.

With a transfer fee of £34 million paid to Roma, Antonio Rudiger became the second most expensive signing in The Blues' history after Fernando Torres. In addition, £34 million is also the amount that Stamford Bridge paid to PSG to re-sign David Luiz last summer.

According to Zing