Priorities for Chelsea this summer, without doubt, will be sorting out options in goal and at centre-back. The Blues need experienced heads at the back, and Charlie Austin has named the ideal signing.
In goal, Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen have both made a catalogue of errors during Rosenior’s 20-game reign as manager. Mike Penders is due to return, but the Belgian loanee remains a rookie.
Some reports in France even suggest that Chelsea may look to use Penders in a deal for Sunderland’s Robin Roefs. Other goalkeepers have been linked, including Bart Verbruggen and Roma’s Mile Svilar.
One of many problems on the pitch at the moment 🤦♂️
Chelsea's Wesley Fofana
Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
At centre-back, things are even more complicated. The club has 10 senior options, including those out on loan and currently injured players, and yet, Chelsea desperately need to bring in an experienced defender.
Charlie Austin names Antonio Rudiger as the perfect signing
Many have bemoaned the club’s lack of experience at centre-back, with Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana guilty of mistakes at the back. Chelsea are the 16th-worst side when defending from crosses.
The Blues need a commanding leader who will win aerial duels and organise a defence, someone in the ilk of Thiago Silva. Former Premier League star Charlie Austin says Chelsea should re-sign Antonio Rudiger.
Antonio Rudiger centre-back of Real Madrid and Germany during the warm-up
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images
“Let’s get to Rudiger. They should never have let him go, or allowed him to go. I understand it was Real Madrid, but they should never have got him in that position. He is the ideal person, Chelsea need back.
“When Chelsea had Thiago Silva in there, he was so important. Rudiger can fill the void, but only if they can get over that age threshold stuff,” Austin said on Sky Sports News this week, regarding Rudiger.
Austin is not the first to suggest re-signing Rudiger
Rudiger was excellent for Chelsea during his stint at Stamford Bridge, clocking up 203 appearances for Chelsea during his five-year stint at the club. He has spent the last four years at Real Madrid, since 2022.
DISCUSS: Chelsea need Rudiger more than they need Jacquet. 👀
It just makes sense…
Parlour says Rudiger should rejoin Chelsea
But Rudiger is now out of contract at Madrid and as things stand, will be a free agent this summer. Now 33 and more refined, Ray Parlour has also suggested Rudiger as a possible summer addition for Chelsea.
It is believed Chelsea are willing to change their approach in the market, and bring in some more ready-made options to balance out the youngsters Chelsea have in abundance. Rudiger would be perfect.
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