Chelsea are reportedly eyeing a potential move to bring back Antonio Rudiger to the club next year. The German's future at Real Madrid is in doubt, with his contract expiring next summer.
Rudiger left the Blues as a free agent in the summer of 2022 and joined Los Blancos. He has been a key player for them since, recording 157 appearances and also contributing seven goals and four assists. However, his contract expires next summer.
As per Fichajes.net, Real Madrid are still weighing up whether to offer him a contract extension. Rudiger is 32 now and has made just one appearance this season due to injury issues. With Los Blancos looking to bring the squad age down, they would be open to selling him.
Chelsea have already contacted the German centre-back and Real Madrid for a potential transfer. As per the report, they also offered the Spanish giants €8 million to bring him back to Stamford Bridge in January 2026, but it was rejected. Los Blancos are demanding a higher fee despite the possibility of Rudiger leaving for free next summer.
The centre-back made 203 appearances for Chelsea during his first five-year stint with them after arriving from AS Roma in 2017. He also helped them win one UEFA Champions League trophy, among other honors.
Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer pick between Chelsea and Real Madrid stars for England squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup
England have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, finishing the qualifiers with eight wins in eight games. Head coach Thomas Tuchel has largely preferred Chelsea star Reece James as his right-back, as he featured in six of the eight qualifiers.
On The Rest Is Football podcast, Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer picked between James and Trent Alexander-Arnold to feature in England's squad. Shearer picked James, while Lineker agreed with him and added:
“I think he [James] would probably be the first choice at the moment. At the minute, Trent’s not getting much football, but Trent at his best is, I mean, what a player. Gives you different options.”
James has often dealt with injury issues, but has featured consistently this season. He has made 14 appearances across competitions for Chelsea this season, recording one goal and two assists.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, meanwhile, has struggled to make a big impact since moving to Real Madrid in the summer. He has recorded two assists in 12 games for Los Blancos, including the FIFA Club World Cup.