Thomas Tuchel is not happy that Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United transfer target Andreas Christensen has not signed a new Chelsea contract and may go for free, via 90min.
The centre-half has less than four-months remaining on his deal at Stamford Bridge and has rejected at least two extensions. Chelsea sought to secure the Dane’s long-term future with new terms earlier in the season. But he knocked the deals back and will likely leave in June.
Christensen has been in west London for the past decade after joining aged 15 under Andre Villas-Boas from Brondby. The now 25-year-old has gone on to play 153 times for the Blues to date, with 26 outings so far this term as a firm favourite of current Chelsea coach Tuchel.
Newcastle, Tottenham battling for free Christensen transfer
Newcastle and Tottenham are among the clubs battling to secure Christensen’s signature in a free transfer from Chelsea this summer. Calciomercato.it reported last month that Spurs approached his agent under the personal request of his former Blues boss Antonio Conte.
Meanwhile, FC Inter News note the Magpies have tabled a four-year contract with superior terms to Chelsea’s offers. But Fabrizio Romano has added Christensen has rejected deals from English sides out of respect to the Blues and is ‘really close’ to joining Barcelona.
Barcelona could confirm Christensen’s move from Chelsea at the end of the Newcastle and Tottenham transfer target’s contract as early as next week, with just final details to finalise.
Tuchel ‘not happy’ Toon, Spurs target Christensen may leave Chelsea
Christensen’s situation at Chelsea infuriates Tuchel, given he is a key part of the German’s side. He also laments how the defender’s representatives have handled discussions with the Blues, as talks to date add uncertainty to the 54-cap enforcer’s Stamford Bridge future.
“It’s in doubt, no?” Tuchel said. “We hear the rumours and the situation with Andreas has been clear for many weeks. We are not happy about it. For me, personally, and the club representatives, we think that it is best for him to stay. We rely heavily on him.
“He did not sign yet, so you can’t not communicate. The communication from his side is that he hasn’t signed, so we have to consider the possibility that he leaves us. Do we like it? No. Will we live with it? Yes. Things are not personal, they never should be personal.”
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