Chelsea are considering bringing their award-winning star back to Stamford Bridge in the January transfer window, according to a leading Spanish newspaper.
Chelsea look for defensive reinforcements
The Blues have stumbled in the Premier League, winning just one top-flight game in December ahead of their final game of 2025 against Bournemouth.
Enzo Maresca’s defensive options are slim heading into the transfer window, with Levi Colwill injured, Axel DiSasi banned from the first team and Trevor Chalobah struggling to regain his form.
Reece James has flourished in his new midfield role, scoring or assisting three times in his last five league starts, but the captain was unhappy with the way he fell apart against Aston Villa.
“We dominated for 60, 65 minutes of the game. We were sharp in the way we set up and started the right way on the front foot.
“In the first 60 minutes they didn’t create any chances, but then they created chances and the dynamic changed.
“We knew they were going to make changes and the shape would be a little different, but it was not something we couldn’t handle. We understand their style and the way they play. We are responsible for ourselves. We knew they were going to make changes. We are responsible for ourselves.
“The game changed in a second or two in the second half. They gained momentum. We were punished for two little mistakes. That’s why this is the toughest league in the world. It’s always disappointing to lose at home.”
The Blues could be looking to inject some experience into their backline as they continue to make avoidable mistakes, and reports in Spain say they could be on the verge of doing just that.
Chelsea is one of the best options for Rudiger
In fact, according to Spanish newspaper AS, Chelsea is one of Antonio Rudiger’s top choices when it comes to choosing his next club.
Rudiger, one of Real Madrid’s highest earners on around £250,000 a week, is open to leaving the Spanish capital amid interest from Galatasaray, PSG and Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are seen as one of the ‘strongest options’ as manager Todd Boley could be looking to bring back the Champions League winner, although he is now 32 years old.
Jerome Boateng claimed that Rudiger was one of the best centre-backs in the world during his first spell at Chelsea, saying: “If you remember where he was a year ago, sometimes on the bench, sometimes in the stands. And now he is definitely a starter and is playing at a world-class level because he believed in himself and continued to be patient.”
“For me, he is currently Germany’s best defender and will definitely be in the top five for his position in Europe.”
Maresca’s own Matic and Kante: Chelsea aim for £100m ‘machine’ move
Enzo Maresca could forge a new partnership between N’Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic at Chelsea by signing the £100m machine.
