Premier League giants Chelsea are beset with a new set of challenges as they approach the summer and the resulting 2022-23 season as key center-back Andreas Christensen is all but set to join legendary side Barcelona in a free transfer.
Andreas Christensen situation. Deal now advanced with Barcelona – they are in direct talks with his agents since January together with Bayern. 🔴 #FCB
Barça have now improved their bid after new direct contacts and that’s why they feel ‘confident’. Bayern are still in the race. pic.twitter.com/yZAR1NfLQL
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 1, 2022
Romano provided further details surrounding the deal that looks set to be concluded, making mention that the relevant parties have been in negotiations since January while German giants Bayern Munich also expressed considerable interest in the Dane on the back of Niklas Süle agreeing to a free move to rivals Borussia Dortmund when his contract expires at the end of the current campaign.
Barcelona have improved their offer for Andreas Christensen and now feel ‘confident’ of competing a deal. Nothing is done yet, but it’s advanced. Bayern are still alive in the race [@FabrizioRomano & @MatteMoretto]
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) March 1, 2022
Chelsea to move forward despite Christensen loss
No one can say that Chelsea has not been fully aware of the potential situation at hand when it comes to the state of the defense moving forward, with Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rüdiger both subject to speculation surrounding their futures.
With Christensen now looking set to depart, the Blues have a decision to make in how they are meant to replace the Danish international.
Sevilla v FC Barcelona – La Liga Santander SEVILLA, SPAIN – DECEMBER 21: (L-R) Abdessamad Ezzalzouli of FC Barcelona, Jules Kounde of Sevilla FC during the La Liga Santander match between Sevilla v FC Barcelona at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on December 21, 2021 in Sevilla Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Pushing hard for French international Jules Koundé seems like the likely choice for the Stamford Bridge outfit given the rampant links that have persisted between club and player over the last year.
Football.London recently postulated other possible replacements in the summer, which included Wesley Fofana, Matthjis de Ligt, Alessandro Bastoni, and Pau Torres.