Could Chelsea contract rebel Rudiger make Serie A return?

In-form defender Antonio Rudiger is still far from agreeing a contract renewal with Chelsea, leaving the door open for a possible return to Serie A, although Real Madrid are reportedly in pole to sign him.

The 28-year-old German defender has been in talks with the Blues regarding a new deal for some months now but a contract renewal is still ‘far from being reached’ with the club, Fabrizio Romano reports.

Antonio Rüdiger in talks with Chelsea over new contract since months – but agreement still ‘far from being reached’. Real Madrid want to sign him as free agent. 🇩🇪 #CFC #Real

Bayern have no plans to pay the salary asked by Rüdiger, as things stand. Tottenham not in the race. pic.twitter.com/QPBF5hMLV5

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 13, 2021

With Rudiger being available on a free transfer next summer, should a renewal not be signed, then there’s a chance that he could decide to return to Serie A, with Milan interested in acquiring him.

The German centre back previously spent two years in Italy with Roma, making 72 appearances across all competitions for the Giallorossi before moving to Chelsea in the summer of 2017. He left a strong impression in the Italian capital, remembered for his key defensive work.

Milan are interested in signing Rudiger as a replacement for the injured Simon Kjaer, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering a knee injury, but nothing serious has taken place so far.

According to Romano, there haven’t been talks between the player’s representative and Milan. Different reports in Italy, suggest Juventus are also monitoring the 28-year-old but, yet again, no contacts between the two parties seem to have been established.

Real Madrid are currently leading the race to sign the 28-year-old German defender on a free transfer, but their wage budget may be a little restricted should they finally succeed in their quest to sign Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain.