Football News

Timely intervention puts Chelsea on home straight for mutually desired deal

Chelsea have quickly resumed talks with Andreas Christensen following recent reports of a contract standoff between the two parties.

Christensen is one of several players Chelsea are currently trying to secure the services of for the long-term. Like fellow defenders Antonio Rudiger and Cesar Azpilicueta, he is out of contract at the end of the season. However, he remains a pivotal player for Thomas Tuchel.

The Denmark international made 27 appearances in all competitions last season for the Champions League winners. This season, he has already featured in 10 matches.

Still only 25 years old, he could have a lengthy future at Stamford Bridge ahead of him. As things stand, though, time is ticking on his Chelsea career.

A recent report from Goal revealed that Chelsea were in a “standoff” with Christensen over his future. They claimed there had been no contact with his representatives for around two months.

That appears to have quickly been put right. According to new information from Football Insider, the club are currently in talks with Christensen’s father.

There is said to be confidence from Chelsea’s end that the former Borussia Monchengladbach loanee will commit to a new, long-term contract. In fact, all parties believe they can reach a “breakthrough”.

Christensen would presumably want a payrise as part of any extension to the deal. He is currently on terms he agreed to in January 2018.

There may be a difference between what he wants and what Chelsea will offer, but they should be able to find a middle ground.

As per Football Insider, Christensen is “keen” to sign a new contract, having enjoyed his time working with Thomas Tuchel so far.

The German coach has given Christensen 29 of his appearances for Chelsea. Only Antonio Conte and Frank Lampard used him more at the club, although his tally under Tuchel will likely surpass them by the end of the season.

It seems he will get the chance to extend those numbers even beyond then after all.

For now, though, there is still some work to do before Chelsea can get the deal confirmed.

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If Christensen commits his future to Chelsea, he may form part of an evolving backline in years to come.

As stated, Rudiger is out of contract at the end of the season too and there seems to be less optimism about keeping him away from the likes of Real Madrid or Bayern Munich.

In addition, Thiago Silva sees his deal expire in June and at the age of 37 his future will also be in question.

The former PSG captain has defied his years since joining Chelsea in 2020, but the club have always kept it in the back of their minds that they will need to find his long-term successor.

A recent report revealed there are three players in contention to become Chelsea’s next defensive signing.

First is Jules Kounde of Sevilla, whom they tried to sign in the summer before being put off by a change in the asking price.

Also in consideration is Juventus centre-half Matthijs De Ligt, who will have a £103m release clause active next summer.

For around half that value, though, they could get Pau Torres from Villarreal. He helped them to the Europa League trophy last season before playing against Chelsea in the Super Cup.

The Blues clearly are keeping their options open and will be ready to regenerate their rearguard in the event of a high-profile departure.

But it seems Christensen will not be among those to leave if everyone gets their way.

READ MORE ~ EXCLUSIVE: Dortmund keep tabs on Chelsea trio as star man faces exit

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