There are a number of positions where Chelsea need to strengthen, if they want to be competing at the highest level against the top teams in England and in Europe. Centre-back might be on top of that list. While Robert Sanchez has shown clear signs of improvement this season, the defence in front of him has let him down on a number of occasions.
Is it down to the individual talent? Is it due to the absence of Levi Colwill? Or is it a result of Enzo Maresca constantly shuffling his team and combinations?
All those have probably been factors being Chelsea's early-season struggles. It was pretty clear from Maresca's comments in the summer that he wanted another centre-back to be signed. That was not done.
Of course, the manager deserves his fair share of blame as well. When given a chance, Josh Acheampong has looked like Chelsea's most talented centre-back, out of those that are fit and available. Yet, somehow, Maresca does not seem ready to give him the chances that he deserves, even as his side continues to struggle defensively.
Chelsea in talks to bring back world-class player for free
As reported by Fichajes, Antonio Rudiger is once again on Chelsea's radar. The club have resumed contact with his agent to explore the possibility of his return to the London club in 2026. The interest is genuine, although the player's preference remains with Real Madrid.
Rudiger won the Champions League with Chelsea before leaving for Real Madrid, and doing the same with Los Blancos. His current deal with the Spanish club runs out next summer though, and so far, there does not seem to be any movement when it comes to an extension.
Rudiger is going to be 33 years of age by the time next summer rolls around. He has also had his fair share of fitness issues in recent times. The last thing Chelsea need right now is to bring in another injury-prone defender. Their squad is full of them already. A couple of years ago, the German was in the conversation for being the best centre-back in the world. He is no longer on that list.
Does it make sense for Chelsea to try and bring back Rudiger at this point in time? It is hard to answer that question. Just look at how good Thiago Silva was for the club.
At the same time, they are very different players. Rudiger never had the technical ability or calm of Silva. The German centre-back's game is built around bravery, athleticism and physicality. He is bound to slowly lose them as the years go by. One could argue that the decline has already started.