Chelsea will reportedly look to re-sign 81-cap German international Antonio Rudiger from Real Madrid in a cut-price deal in the winter transfer window.

According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Antonio Rudiger is the subject of interest from Chelsea. The Blues are keen on reinforcing their defensive unit by signing a centre-back in the winter transfer window. So, the 32-year-old Real Madrid defender has emerged as a target for the West London outfit.

The report has revealed that the 2024/25 FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Europa Conference League winners have already submitted a bid worth €8 million to re-sign the Berlin native from Real Madrid. However, the Merengues have deemed the amount insufficient, and they will demand a higher fee to part ways with Rudiger in the winter transfer window.

How has Antonio Rudiger fared at Real Madrid?

Antonio Rudiger has established himself as one of the world’s best defenders since joining Real Madrid from Chelsea in a Bosman move nearly two years ago. The 32-year-old was a mainstay at the back for the West London club, and he has taken his career to the next level at Real Madrid.

The 81-cap German international has made over 150 appearances thus far for Real Madrid while chipping in with seven goals and four assists. However, Rudiger faces an uncertain future at Real Madrid after entering the final 12 months of his contract. However, instead of leaving Los Blancos for free, a winter return to Chelsea may be on the cards, as the Blues have offered €8 million to re-sign him.

Will Rudiger return to Chelsea soon?

Antonio Rudiger has been on Chelsea’s radar for a long time since joining Real Madrid. The continued interest is understandable despite his advancing age, as the Blues are scouring the market for a centre-back heading into the winter transfer window after losing Levi Colwill to a long-term knee injury several weeks ago.

Several candidates have thus emerged on Chelsea’s radar, with Rudiger also a viable target. The veteran defender already has several years of Premier League experience, and he should hit the ground running at Stamford Bridge.

However, Chelsea’s bid of €8 million is not enough to convince Real Madrid to part ways with the 32-year-old centre-back in the winter transfer window. It will be interesting if the Blues return with an improved offer to re-sign the 81-cap German international in the coming weeks.