Enterprising young Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen is reportedly on the radar of Barcelona, with the Catalans search for a valuable addition to their defence.
Chelsea might subject to a shock bid for one of their rising young stars. According to Mirror, Barcelona are monitoring the progress of Andreas Christensen. The Catalans were thought to be tailing David Luiz. But, it seems the towering Dane’s consistent displays at the back has seen them shift their focus.
Barcelona’s need to add to their options in central defence is very well known. The injury to Samuel Umtiti has worsened an already brewing crisis, with Gerard Pique and Javier Mascherano not in the best vein of form while Thomas Vermaelen continues his regular bouts with fitness issues.
There have been talks of the club moving the date of arrival of Yerry Mina to January to adjust to Umtiti’s injury. But, even a move for the Colombian has been cast in doubts, with reports that the deal is not done as of yet.
This has seen Barcelona being linked to various defenders, with Daley Blind, David Luiz, Virgil van Dijk and others rumoured to be on Barcelona’s radar. But, while van Dijk has joined the ranks at Liverpool, Blind might not be an enticing target for the club, with the Dutchman not being able to get into the United playing eleven of late.
If Van Dijk is worth £75 million then how much is @ABChristensen96 worth? Over £100 million!!!!! #CFC pic.twitter.com/bddflin7d9
— Chelsea FC Fan Club (@ConteBlueArmy) December 27, 2017
David Luiz could be a value target. But, Barcelona seem to be eyeing a more long-term addition, which has seen them monitor Andreas Christensen now. The 21-year-old is the very definition of a ball-playing defender – the kind of defender Barcelona’s playing style and system needs.
The Catalans’ football starts from their goalkeeper and the presence of defenders who are at ease when on the ball. Christensen’s height could also be a valuable addition to pose an extra threat from set-pieces as well. The Dane has already managed to ably replace David Luiz at the back for Chelsea – by no means an ordinary feat for a 21-year-old.
There has also been rumours of Umtiti being on the radar of Manchester United and Manchester City, with the player having a €60 million release clause in his contract. And even if the Frenchman does end up staying, he shall need a long-term partner, with Gerard Pique not the same world-class defender he used to be.
One bone of contention will be whether Chelsea are ready to part with the 21-year-old, especially with the player striking a great chord not just within the team but also with the fans as well.
