Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has urged Chelsea to make a move for former player Antonio Rudiger. He believes that fans will be delighted to have the Real Madrid star back at Stamford Bridge.
Rudiger, 32, spent five seasons with the Blues before joining Real Madrid in 2022 as a free agent. With Los Blancos, he further established himself as a world-class defender, helping Madrid to multiple major trophies.
However, Rudiger's time at the Spanish capital could be coming to an end. The German defender's contract expires in the summer, and he has yet to sign an extension.
Amid uncertainty about his future, the Germany international has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia and other European clubs, including his former employers, Chelsea.
Parlour was speaking on talkSPORT (via Chelsea Chronicles) when he advised the Blues to re-sign Rudiger. He noted that the Real Madrid star is familiar with the club, and the fans would love to see him again in their colours.
“Take him, he knows Chelsea, I’d take him straight back. You’d definitely take Rudiger back, every Chelsea fan would have him back," he said.
Rudiger joined the Blues in 2017 from AS Roma. In 203 appearances for the west London outfit, he recorded 12 goals and seven assists, winning five major titles, including the Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup.
This season, he has managed just nine games across competitions for Xabi Alonso's team, with a hamstring injury keeping him sidelined for most of the first half of the campaign.
Chelsea manager looking to bring Strasbourg star to Stamford Bridge - Reports
According to a report by Argentine outlet Direct TV, new Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior wants to bring Strasbourg star Valentin Barco to Stamford Bridge.
The English manager was handed the reins at the club following the sacking of Enzo Maresca and will be looking to steer the club to success. Barco, 21, was a key player during Rosenior's spell at the Blues' sister club.
The Argentine youngster joined the Ligue 1 club permanently last summer after an initial loan deal from Brighton and Hove Albion. Under Rosenior's tutelage, he amassed 38 appearances, registering a goal and eight assists.
Barco is naturally a central midfielder, but can also play as a left-back or on the left side of midfield. He is contracted to Strasbourg until 2029.