Chelsea could turn to one Real Madrid star to improve their central defence next year.

The Blues signed Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace for £52m in the summer, but their defence has still been leaky and the Frenchman is currently out injured. Xabi Alonso’s side conceded another goal against Sunderland at the weekend, with Levi Colwill struggling against Brian Brobbey.

Signing a new midfielder is thought to be Chelsea’s priority. Bournemouth’s Alex Scott is believed to be Chelsea’s primary target, but it looks as though they could also move for a centre-back.

Chelsea monitoring Antonio Rudiger’s contract situation

Antonio Rudiger left Chelsea for Real Madrid back in 2022 at the end of his contract. His existing deal is set to expire in June, giving Chelsea a chance to do what Real Madrid did to them four years ago.

It should not be ruled out, as sources have told Si Phillips Talks Chelsea that the Blues are very much keeping tabs on Rudiger’s contract situation at the Santiago Bernabeu. However, there could be one issue.

Rudiger is 33 now and has had some injuries in recent seasons. He does not really fit into Chelsea’s transfer strategy.

That does not mean that he has not got it any more. The Germany international is still performing well.

Antonio Rudiger’s stats this season

In total, Rudiger has made seven appearances and scored two goals in all competitions this term. He has played four times in La Liga and not done badly.

At Chelsea, Rudiger was always willing to put his body on the line and make blocks. He has not changed at Real Madrid.

According to FotMob, he is blocking 1.76 shots per 90 minutes and is outperforming 95.5% of central defenders. The Germany international is also making 7.65 clearances per 90. There, he is outperforming 90.9% of his positional peers.

Rudiger is an old-fashioned centre-back who knows how to defend, yet he is also quite modern in the sense that he is good on the ball and can play out from the back. Most Chelsea fans would probably have him back at Stamford Bridge.