Former Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger could make a return to the Premier League this summer.
Rudiger left Chelsea for Real Madrid in 2022 and has enjoyed plenty of success at the Santiago Bernabeu.
However, his contract expires in the summer, and he has now been linked with a move back to England.
Chelsea need to make room before they can sign another centre-back. Who are you getting rid of?
Levi Colwill is definitely untouchable ❌
Chelsea’s list of first-team centre-backs
Levi Colwill
Wesley Fofana
Trevoh Chalobah
Benoit Badiashile
Tosin Adarabioyo
Josh Acheampong
Trevoh Chalobah of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's goal with teammate Wesley Fofana
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Manchester United considering signing Antonio Rudiger as Harry Maguire replacement
According to Italian outlet Tuttosport, Juventus are interested in signing Rudiger in the next transfer window. They are not the only ones keen on the centre-back, though, with Manchester United also said to have him on their radar.
Tuttosport’s report claims that United could explore bringing Rudiger to Old Trafford if Harry Maguire does not put pen to paper on a new contract.
Like Rudiger, Maguire’s existing deal is also up in the summer, making him another high-profile name who could be available on a free transfer.
Harry Maguire of Manchester United
Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
In January, it was claimed that Chelsea are actually interested in signing Maguire as they consider adding more experience to their backline.
However, if the Blues are planning on recruiting a more seasoned centre-half, there is a much better candidate than Maguire.
Chelsea must challenge Manchester United for Antonio Rudiger’s signature
Chelsea should be in the mix for Rudiger themselves. The worst thing they could do is let him join United without even challenging their Premier League rivals for his signature.
Liam Rosenior needs another centre-back and not just any will do. He needs an experienced and dominant figure, with Rudiger being just that.
Chelsea have lacked that this season, while the majority of their current centre-halves have been inconsistent.
Wesley Fofana had a shocker against Everton, for example, reaffirming the Blues’ need for a new centre-back.
Rudiger was a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge; Chelsea fans would welcome him back. Unfortunately for them, he is just not the profile of player the club want. Unless there is a shift in transfer strategy, he definitely will not be joining the Club World Cup winners this summer.
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