Why Christensen is stalling on Chelsea deal
Robin Bairner
- 25 Oct 2021 20:12 BST
- 5 min read
Chelsea could face a scramble for defenders next summer as Andreas Christensen has joined Antonio Rudiger in stalling over a new contract.
The centre-back has been an outstanding performer for the Stamford Bridge club in recent weeks, yet his contract expires in June 2022 and he could depart as a free agent at that time.
Indeed, Christensen will be able to open talks with rivals clubs freely as of 1 January, which is now only a matter of weeks away, should no deal be reached with Chelsea.
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At present, there is no resolution to his situation on the horizon, with Goal reporting that there has been no contact between the club and the player for two months now.
With the in-form Rudiger also out of contract next summer, Chelsea find themselves suddenly under pressure to tie down one or both of their existing centre-backs.
Why Christensen has not signed a new Chelsea deal
Although there is no clear reason given why Christensen has not agreed fresh terms with Chelsea, it is strongly hinted that there is a dispute over his wage packet.
Goal reports that the Denmark international centre-back has been offered a four-year deal by the Blues, with the option of a fifth, yet the salary package that he has been furnished with is not to his liking.
Although he would be given what is described as a “significant pay rise”, he would remain among the lowest-earning senior players at Stamford Bridge. Presently, he earns around £4.1 million per year.
Chelsea’s alternative options
Sevilla defender Jules Kounde came close to signing for Chelsea in the summer but they were unable to agree a fee with the Spanish club, which saw the deal stutter at the last. Clearly, the versatile France international will still be in their thoughts.
However, Sevilla, aware of Chelsea’s need for defenders, can more than ever afford to stand their ground in asking for the defender’s €80 million release clause.
Chelsea have also been linked with Matthijs de Ligt of Juventus. While the Italian side want to get the Netherlands star’s wage off their books, he will be another expensive alternative. In particular, De Ligt’s wages are reported to be around €330,000 per week – around three and a half times more than Christensen’s current wage.
