Why Chelsea should keep hold of Andreas Christensen amidst interest
According to a report in Daily Mail, European giants Borussia Dortmund and Juventus could make late moves to sign Chelsea centre-back Andreas Christensen before the transfer window closes. The Danish international made a breakthrough under Antonio Conte last season and did a pretty good job.
However, he hasn’t been a regular under Maurizio Sarri. The new manager was also not happy when the defender went for a toilet break while sitting on the bench during Chelsea’s game against Arsenal (h/t Daily Mail).
Now, as per the report (h/t Sun), the 22-year-old could leave Stamford Bridge before the deadline. While Juve are looking to replace Medhi Benatia, Dortmund are eyeing up some defensive cover as they seek to win the Bundesliga.
However, here’s why Chelsea should keep hold of the centre-back, at least until the end of this season:
The Blues need some defensive back-up
It is pretty evident that Sarri doesn’t fancy Andreas Christensen in his squad, and the player making just one Premier League appearance this season so far is a proof of that. But simultaneously, the manager has used the Dane in the cup and Europa League games.
Antonio Rudiger and David Luiz are Chelsea’s first-choice centre-backs, however, apart from that, they have Christensen as the only viable back-up. Gary Cahill is there but he is ageing and cannot probably be trusted to fill in the boots in the league or the big games.
Chelsea are currently playing in all four competitions. The Carabao Cup final against Manchester City awaits, while a FA Cup fifth-round tie against Manchester United is around the corner as well. Added to that, they are in the Europa League last-32 as well.
Hence, Sarri and his men cannot let go of their third-choice centre-back. Thus, it would make no sense from Chelsea’ viewpoint to let go of a player that could come in handy in the latter part of this season.
From the 22-year-old’s point of view, going to either Juventus or Dortmund to be a back-up doesn’t add up well. The best thing for him will be to wait for his chance at Stamford Bridge at least until the summer, and then make a move to a club where he can be a regular starter.