Andreas Christensen agrees new Chelsea contract
By Max Cooper
Chelsea have all but secured the future of defender Andreas Christensen, with the Dane set to sign a contract extension with the Blues.
The 25-year-old has blossomed into one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League under Thomas Tuchel, and the west London club are now under pressure to tie him down in the long term, as his current deal expires at the end of the season.
Chelsea risk losing Christensen for free in the summer of 2022, and other European clubs have been watching his situation closely, but Fabrizio Romano reports that the Denmark international's future remains tied to Stamford Bridge, with the club and player ready to sign a new contract.
There is an agreement in place between the Blues and Christensen, with the minor matter of additional clauses to be finalised. An announcement and confirmation of the deal is expected soon, ending speculation over his future.
Two other clubs have also shown interest in the defender, but no talks will be held, given that the Chelsea man is happy to stay in west London.
"It’s hard to say how things will end up," he told TV3 when asked about his future recently. "There is a lot of talk. I will not say too much, but I think it looks good. I am happy to be at Chelsea."
The Champions League winner previously put his career revival down to the arrival of new manager Tuchel, who has turned him into one of the most consistent and resolute defenders in the Premier League.
He confessed that he endured a 'difficult period' under Frank Lampard, but was grateful that he never gave up on his dream of becoming a Chelsea regular.
“We have won the Champions League and the Super Cup. I am very happy to be in the club and feel Chelsea are the right place to be in England. I know Thomas Tuchel believes in me. I have also played a big role since he came,” he added.
“I had a very difficult period under Lampard, shortly before he was fired. Now, luckily, it's going the right way for me. But yes, things can go fast in this world. The most important thing is just that I have never given up.”