Chelsea are in the mix to bring a a decorated star back to Stamford Bridge in the January transfer window, according to a major newspaper in Spain.
Chelsea seeking defensive reinforcements
The Blues have stumbled in the Premier League, winning just one top flight fixture in December ahead of their final outing of 2025 against Bournemouth.
Enzo Maresca's defensive options are thin heading into the transfer window, with Levi Colwill injured, Axel Disasi banished from the first-team and Trevoh Chalobah struggling for form.
Reece James is thriving in his new midfield role, scoring or assisting three times in his last five league starts, but the skipper was unhappy with the manner of the collapse against Aston Villa.
“We dominated 60, 65 minutes of the game. We came out sharp with the way we set up, we got off on the front foot and in the right way.
“In the first 60 minutes they didn’t create any chances, and then they get one and the dynamic changes.
“We knew they’d make substitutions and the shape changed slightly but it was nothing we shouldn’t have been able to deal with. We understand the style and the way they want to play. We have ourselves to blame.
“Second half one or two moments changed the game. They picked up momentum. It was two slight errors from us and we got punished. This is why it’s the toughest league in the world. It’s always disappointing to lose at home.”
The Blues could use an injection of experience into their backline as they continue to make avoidable errors, and reports in Spain claim they could be about to receive just that.
Chelsea one of the strongest options for Rüdiger
Indeed, according to major Spanish newspaper AS, Chelsea are one of the top options as Antonio Rüdiger chooses his next club.
One of Real Madrid's highest earners on around £250,000-a-week, Rüdiger is open to leaving the Spanish capital amid interest from Galatasaray, PSG and Stamford Bridge.
antonio-rudiger-real-madrid
Chelsea are seen as one of the 'strongest options', as Todd Boehly potentially looks to bring back a Champions League winner, albeit one who is now 32 years of age.
Jerome Boateng claimed Rüdiger was one of the best centre-backs in the world during his first spell at Chelsea, saying: "When we remember where he was a year ago, sometimes on the bench, sometimes in the stands. And now he’s a guaranteed starter and playing at a world-class level because he believed in himself and remained patient.
"For me, he is currently the best German defender, and definitely in the top five at his spot in Europe."
Nemanja-Matic-Ngolo-Kante-Chelsea Related
[Maresca's own Matic & Kante: Chelsea targeting move for £100m "machine"](https://www.footballfancast.com/maresca-own-matic-and-kante-chelsea-target-adam-wharton/ "Maresca's own Matic & Kante: Chelsea targeting move for £100m "machine"")
Enzo Maresca could form a new N'Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic partnership at Chelsea by signing this £100m machine.