[Chelsea](https://chelseanews.com/) have made strides in the last couple of transfer windows under Todd Boehly, as the club is making better moves and building an identity around some of Europe’s biggest rising stars.
Estevao Willian was a smashing success this past year on the transfer market, but Levi Colwill’s injury has highlighted just how much further Chelsea need to go in terms of bolstering their defense in order to be nailed-on favorites to win the Premier League.
According to a report from MARCA, in their search for center back help, Chelsea are considering going back to an old flame, as they are reportedly considering a reunion with Real Madrid third center back Antonio Rudiger.
The German international became a breakout sensation under Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge, playing a vital role in winning the 2020/21 Champions League title and then having another stellar season in 2021/22 afterwards.
Rudiger then joined Real Madrid after Los Blancos knocked Chelsea out of a fiery cup tie in the 2021/22 Champions League season, winning a second European championship title in his career when the Merengues vanquished Borussia Dortmund in 2024.
Now, Rudiger has fallen down the pecking order after the signing of Dean Huijsen and Eder Militao’s return from a second ACL tear. Rudiger could be available, and he could be the veteran presence Chelsea need to help young stars like Josh Acheampong, Colwill, and one-time Real Madrid transfer target Benoit Badiashile grow.
Joe Soriano is the editor of _The Trivela Effect_ and a FanSided Hall of Famer who has covered world football since 2010. He’s led top digital communities like _The Real Champs_ (Real Madrid) and has run sites covering Tottenham, Liverpool, Juventus, and Schalke. He also helped manage _NFL Spin Zone_ and _Daily DDT,_ covering the NFL and pro wrestling.