Chelsea could have Antonio Rudiger reunion, Real Madrid targeting Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano - Euro Transfer News

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In Friday's Euro Transfer News, Chelsea have been linked with an audacious move to bring Antonio Rudiger back to west London after leaving Stamford Bridge three years ago. We also take a look at reports that Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano has begun talks with Real Madrid over a potential move next year, while AC Milan are preparing for life without goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

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Chelsea interested in re-signing Rudiger

Chelsea have been linked with a stunning move to bring Antonio Rudiger back to Stamford Bridge.

A report from Football Espana via Marca claims that Rudiger and Real Madrid have put fresh contract talks on hold, with the German still undergoing rehabilitation from a long-term knee injury.

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Those talks could resume in the new year though, and while Rudiger's preference is to remain at the Bernabeu, a return to Chelsea is not being ruled out.

The report said: "Real Madrid and Rudiger will re-evaluate his future at the start of 2026, when he has recovered from his injury and is back to full fitness.

"Rudiger’s desire is to remain at Real Madrid, and while Los Blancos may have concerns about his injury record, his role in the dressing room is appreciated. Rudiger has taken on a big brother role for many of the younger players, something which holds value for Real Madrid.

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"Rudiger is set to prioritise Real Madrid ahead of other potential destinations, but the same outlet explains that Chelsea have ‘never quite closed the door’ on a return to Stamford Bridge. Leaving Chelsea on a free in 2022, he did so on cordial terms with those at the club.

"Should neither of those options come to fruition for Rudiger, Saudi Arabia have made their interest known in recent months too."

Real in Upamecano talks

Real Madrid are in talks with Dayot Upamecano over a proposed free transfer next year, according to reports from BILD and Foot Mercato.

Negotiations between the 27-year-old and Bayern Munich have stalled over a new contract extension, with his current deal expiring next June.

Los Blancos are eager to sign a new centre-back next summer, with Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao's deals both expiring at the end of the season.

The BILD report reads: "In Real Madrid's 1-0 defeat at Liverpool, one player who has long been on the radar of the Madrid club put in a strong performance for the Reds: Ibrahima Konate (26). The former Leipzig player was instrumental in nipping the – admittedly tentative – attacking efforts of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., and company in the bud.

"The French international, whose contract with Liverpool expires at the end of the season, is said to have deeply impressed the Real Madrid bosses. And yet, according to French media, signing him is not a priority.

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"Also because another player was delivering an (at least) equally impressive performance in Paris at the same time: Dayot Upamecano (27), and FC Bayern won their second Champions League top match 2-1. Especially in the second half, after Luis Diaz's red card [45th minute], it was a defensive battle for Munich, in which Upamecano was one of the visitors' key players. As he has been for months.

"Upamecano is also a French international, his contract also expires at the end of the season, and he too is apparently in contact with Real Madrid – and is said to be No. 1 on their wish list."

Milan targeting Maignan replacement

AC Milan are preparing for life without goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who is widely expected to leave San Siro at the end of this season.

The French shot-stopper's contract expires in June, and an agreement over a new deal is looking increasingly unlikely.

Milan are now looking around for his replacement, with Parma shot-stopper Zion Suzuki near the top of their list of targets.

However, the report from milannews via Tuttosport states that Suzuki would need to be assured of regular game time before making any move.

It reads: "Suzuki has had a great season so far with Parma. The Japanese player is appreciated for his modernity, ability to read the game, and his mentality.

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"His talents haven't gone unnoticed in the Premier League, particularly in London, where Chelsea have already made inquiries. The young goalkeeper, who arrived in Emilia-Romagna in the summer of 2024 from Saint-Truiden for €8.2 million (£7.2m) plus bonuses and a 10% share of any future transfer fee, has quite clear ideas about his future: he'll leave Parma only to join a team that will guarantee him a starting spot.

"As for his transfer fee, it's said his value has tripled since he arrived in Italy. And the Gialloblu are already smiling at the prospect of the next big capital gain, following those of [Ange-Yoan] Bonny, [Giovanni] Leoni, and [Simon] Sohm."

Atletico want Cucurella

Marc Cucurella could make a return to Spain amid a report of Atletico Madrid's interest in the Chelsea defender.

A report from Fichajes claims that Atletico would be willing to offer in the region of €40 million (£35m) for Cucurella, who is under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2028.

The high fee is attributed to the three years still remaining on the 27-year-old's contract.

It claims: "Atletico Madrid believes Marc Cucurella fits into the club's defensive strategy for the coming years. The Chelsea player's contract expires in 2028, giving the English club a strong negotiating position, although Atletico intends to wait until the summer of 2026 to make their move.

"The estimated offer is around €40 million, a figure Atletico Madrid considers feasible to finalise the deal and strengthen their left flank. There is a consensus within the club that the Spanish full-back, with his extensive experience in the Premier League, will bring experience and solidity to both defence and attack.

"Atletico Madrid has a clear need at left-back: Javi Galan's contract is expiring, and he will leave on a free transfer, while Matteo Ruggeri has not performed to expectations. In this context, Marc Cucurella emerges as a top-level alternative, combining Premier League experience with technical qualities that appeal to both the manager and the club.

"His attacking profile, ability to support the attack, and defensive solidity make him the ideal piece for Atletico Madrid's future plans. The club anticipates that the transfer will be planned well in advance, so that he is well integrated into the 2026/27 project."

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