Chelsea are exploring the possibility of re-signing Antonio Rudiger on a free transfer from Real Madrid, according to reports in Spain.
Rudiger ended his five-year stay with Chelsea to complete a move to the Bernabeu back in 2022 and the 32-year-old defender has proven to be a great piece of business for the La Liga giants.
In that time, Rudiger has made 163 appearances in all competitions for Madrid and helped Los Blancos win eight pieces of silverware, including the 2023/24 Champions League trophy.
But Rudiger is out of contract in the Spanish capital next summer and there is some uncertainty surrounding the German’s future, with a host of top clubs keeping close tabs on developments.
Spanish newspaper AS report that Rudiger has ‘several options’ on the table should he fail to reach an agreement to extend his stay with Madrid beyond the end of the current season.
Get personalised updates on Chelsea every day
Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro’s Football Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we’ll send you so we can get football news tailored to you.
Widespread reports in the Turkish media have claimed Galatasaray are eyeing a January transfer move for Rudiger thought the Super Lig champions have remained silent on the rumours.
Galatasaray are also well stocked at centre-back, though, with Davinson Sanchez, Abdulkerim Bardakci and Wilfried Singo all well liked by head coach Okan Buruk.
And while Rudiger is ‘quite open to listening to potential offers’ from Galatasaray, the Turkish giants would have to see have strong competition to land the vastly experienced Germany international.
The report claims Paris Saint-Germain are among Rudiger’s many admirers as Luis Enrique believes centre-half would bring valuable experience and leadership to the dressing room.
The Saudi Pro League is mooted as another possible option for Rudiger, with Al Nassr and Al Hilal closely ‘monitoring’ the situation.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
Chelsea are also said to be ‘interested’ in the idea of bringing Rudiger back for a second spell in west London.
Rudiger established himself as a fan favourite by the end of his time at Stamford Bridge, celebrated for his tenacity, bullishness and never-say-die attitude on the pitch.
During his time with the Blues, Rudiger lifted a total of five trophies, including the Champions League, the Europa League and the FA Cup.
Rudiger was twice named in the Champions League Team of the Season during his time with Chelsea. He was also the club’s sole representative in the 2021/22 Premier League Team of the Year.
‘To be honest, in football you never know. I am very, very happy where I am now at Madrid,’ Rudiger told the German media when asked for an update on his future earlier this year.
‘I am not thinking about leaving anytime soon, that’s all. But in football you just never know.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.