Barcelona emerge as a possible destination for underused Chelsea star

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger keen to join Barcelona in January

According to Sport (h/t The Metro), Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger is keen to join Barcelona in January.

The German ace has enjoyed a peripheral role at the club this season. The signing of Thiago Silva and the new-found solidity in defence has seen him get relegated to the shadows.

He was linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge last summer, however, a move failed to materialize and he stayed put.

With the January window approaching, Rudiger could be on the move. Barcelona are in the market for a central defender and were also previously linked with the Chelsea ace.

Manchester City defender Eric Garcia remains their top target. However, Rudiger is seen as an alternative if they cannot reach a deal for the Spaniard.

According to the report, Chelsea too are keen to cash in on the player. Rudiger joined Chelsea from Roma in 2017.

The player for his part is open to joining Barcelona. The Catalans are looking to rebuild under new boss Ronald Koeman.

Rudiger has the chance to make himself an invaluable member of a team that is seeking to find a new direction. Given their difficulties in defence, he might find opportunities easier to come by at the Nou Camp than Chelsea.

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Liverpool defender Joel Matip is amongst the players also linked with Barcelona. However, given the Reds’ injuries, they are unlikely to sell the Cameroonian.

This could prove to be an advantage to Rudiger’s hopes of joining them. With the Euros set to be held next summer, a return to regular action will help him build up match fitness.