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.
As reported by multiple sources including transfer insiders Fabrizio Romano and Gerardo Romero, the Danish international and Cobham academy product will be plying his trade in Catalunya next season.
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.
The Italian journalist did mention that Bayern remains in the race, but Romero stated that a deal is 99% over the line and will be concluded baring any unforeseen issues in the eleventh hour according to Football Espana.
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, 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.
Regardless of which direction Chelsea goes moving forward, rest assured that a club of their stature and financial resources will certainly look to upgrade on him as best possible.
