Chelsea refuse to offer Andreas Christensen an improved deal despite the defender’s attracting a lot of interest from many clubs, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The 25-year-old, alongside Antonio Rudiger and Cesar Azpilicueta, has entered the final months of his contract at Stamford Bridge.
He still largely plays a backup role in the team, although it is mostly down to Thiago Silva’s being exceptionally consistent despite his age.
Still, Christensen is a reliable option and Silva is, of course, not getting any younger.
Losing him, especially on a free transfer, would put Chelsea under pressure to sign a replacement, which could prove costly.
However, according to Romano, Chelsea have made it clear that they will not raise their offer after Christensen backed down from their agreement.
“Christensen’s situation seems really, really complicated,” the Italian said on his YouTube channel.
“Last August, they [Chelsea and Christensen] had an agreement — a verbal agreement.
“Then he changed his agent and changed his mind [about the deal].
“So Chelsea are saying, ‘We offer you the same contract we offered in August. If you want to accept, we’re happy, and if not, this is our bid.’
“This is why Christensen is exploring the market with his agent and [has] received many, many approaches.
“Barcelona and Bayern [Munich] are interested in Christensen as a free agent.”
Christensen reportedly demands significant Chelsea pay rise
According to a report from German outlet Sport1, the centre-back is looking for a contract worth €10million-a-year (£8.4 million), which would see him double his current salary.
The report also mentioned that Christensen is currently among the lowest earners at Chelsea.
It remains unclear whether any club reportedly interested in him is willing to meet his demands, but a recent report from Spain suggested that Barcelona are confident in closing the deal soon.
Rudiger, who has arguably been Chelsea’s best performer since Tuchel took over, should be higher up Chelsea’s summer agenda.
However, the club may eventually have to reconsider their stance on Christensen’s situation, unless they are prepared to spend in the transfer market.
