Former Chelsea centre-back Antonio Rudiger could return in January, as he isn’t getting much game time at Real Madrid.
Enzo Maresca will be keen to get back to Premier League action this weekend, as his Chelsea side is set to make the trip to Turf Moor to play Burnley on Saturday afternoon. The Blues could move up to second in the Premier League table with a win, and could put some pressure on league leaders Arsenal.
The biggest issue this season for Maresca has been in defence, as Levi Colwill suffered a long-term injury, and the likes of Benoit Badiashile, Tosin Aadarabioyo and Wesley Fofana haven’t been as good replacements as he would want.
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Chelsea go into the transfer market for a centre-back in January to help boost their chances of success both in the Premier League and the Champions League, and they could have a bargain chance to sign one of their former players.
Chelsea ‘contacted’ Antonio Rudiger over Stamford Bridge return
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Antonio Rudiger spent five years with Chelsea, in which time he made 203 appearances, scoring 12 goals, and providing seven assists. He was as reliable as anyone in the Premier League, but then moved to Real Madrid in 2022.
This season, Rudiger’s contract is due to expire in June, and he has made just one appearance due to hamstring injury problems. Reports in Spain are now saying that Madrid could sell the 32-year-old in January before his contract runs out.
Spanish outlet Fichajes report that Chelsea have ‘contacted’ Rudiger about a potential January return to Stamford Bridge amid their desperate need for more help at the centre-back position. The report says that the Blues are plotting an offer of just £7m for the German international, in the hope that Madrid will be keen to get a return, rather than letting him leave as a free agent in June.
Rudiger has made over 150 appearances for Madrid, scoring seven goals, and providing four assists. He would easily slot into Maresca’s starting XI, and potentially would be the missing piece that Maresca needs to win a Premier League title.
Click here to see Chelsea’s latest injury news and expected return dates.