Chelsea to offer Andreas Christensen new contract
By Max Cooper
Chelsea are planning to offer Andreas Christensen a new contract at Stamford Bridge as a reward for his fine form since the arrival of new coach Thomas Tuchel.
The 24-year-old rarely featured under Frank Lampard at the start of the campaign but has been a regular presence at the heart of the Blues' defence since the beginning of February, and his return has coincided with a plethora of clean sheets.
Tuchel is clearly a huge admirer of Christensen, and according to The Telegraph, Chelsea are now keen to tie him down to a long-term contract as the rest of Europe's giants begin to circle.
The Danish centre back is decreasing in value with each passing month and the Blues would risk losing him for cheap in the summer, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the 2021/22 campaign.
Their desperation to retain his services will only be intensified by his presence at the rearranged Euro 2020 tournament in the summer, as he will be able to demonstrate his abilities on the pitch with Denmark.
Christensen has benefitted from Thiago Silva's recent injury troubles and has surprised everyone with his solid and commanding displays. He has played in five of Chelsea's last six matches, and they have kept four clean sheets in those meetings.
In fact, the only goal the Blues have conceded during his time on the pitch was an own goal by Antonio Rudiger, and there can be no questions that they are a much stronger unit with Christensen at the heart of the backline.
His credit only rose during the 1-1 draw with Southampton too, where he watched on from the bench as Saints cut the Blues open down the middle, leading to the first minor disappointment of Tuchel's reign.
The defender was particularly impressive in the goalless draw with Manchester United and the 1-0 victory against Liverpool at Anfield, keeping the champions at arm's length for the entire match.
Christensen has always been highly rated at Stamford Bridge, but he has flattered to deceive at times, leading to some questioning whether he is truly up to standard. However, he has silenced his critics in 2021 and now looks like he could be the future of the Chelsea defence.