According to Fichajes, Atletico Madrid are interested in Andreas Christensen. The Chelsea defender has emerged as one of their three potential targets, as Diego Simeone eyes defensive reinforcements next summer. Christensen’s expiring contract at Stamford Bridge next season makes him a particularly appealing target for Los Colchoneros, who are hunting for free agents.
Andreas Christensen’s Revival Under Thomas Tuchel
Andreas Christensen had been a part of the Chelsea team since 2012. He had been a key member of the first team after the successful loan spell at Gladbach, with the defender notably enjoying a decent 2017/18 campaign.
However, the Dane has never really managed to impress the likes of Antonio Conte, Maurizio Sarri or Frank Lampard, enduring a frustrating spell between 2018 to 2021. He was often frozen out of the first-team plans and was mainly considered as a bit-part player. But that changed after the arrival of Thomas Tuchel in early 2021.
Having known the player very well due to his spell in the Bundesliga, Tuchel made Christensen a valuable part of the club’s defensive unit. He was involved in 17 league appearances last season, 12 of which came under the German tactician.
Christensen’s contributions at the back were immense in helping Chelsea win the Champions League last season. He has also started the new season on a strong note, making him an indispensable figure alongside Antonio Rudiger and Thiago Silva. Chelsea, as a result, have conceded only three goals in the Premier League this season.
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Why Chelsea Must Keep Hold Of Christensen
Chelsea are in a precarious position as far as their defensive unit is concerned. They are undisputedly the best defensive team in the Premier League at the moment. But the Blues are in danger of losing the core of the team next season, with Rudiger, Christensen and Silva’s contracts set to expire at the end of the campaign.
Silva is destined to leave after remaining another year at Stamford Bridge, while Rudiger is holding out for a hefty new wage demand making it almost impossible for the English giants to keep hold of him next summer. The German has already been courted by some of the biggest teams across the world, so a move away from Stamford Bridge appears to be a likely scenario.
On that note, it would be a prudent option for Chelsea to keep hold of Christensen. The Dane is not as experienced as Rudiger or Silva, but he has established himself as a quality centre-back, who can offer an ideal balance of experience and youth exuberance.
In fact, Christensen’s influence in the team could prove to be vital in Chelsea’s bid to rebuild their defensive unit and slowly integrate the likes of Malang Sarr and Trevoh Chalobah into the first-team plans next season. Hence, the West London giants should do everything they can to keep hold of the former Gladbach centre-back next season, as Tuchel prepares for a mass exodus in defence.
