Andreas Christensen confirms he is in talks to stay at Chelsea
Andreas Christensen confirms he is in talks to stay at Chelsea, admitting Stamford Bridge ‘feels like the right place to be’… as Kepa opens up on his frustration at being second choice
- Sportsmail reported last month the European champion opened talks with him
- Defensive partner Antonio Rudiger is also in line for a contract extension there
- And Spanish goalkeeper Arrizabalaga underlined his discontent at being No 2
Andreas Christensen has confirmed he is in talks over a new contract at Chelsea.
Sportsmail reported last month that the European champions had initiated discussions with Christensen and defensive partner Antonio Rudiger over new deals to extend their stay at Stamford Bridge.
Denmark international Christensen has started the season in excellent form, continuing his transformation under Thomas Tuchel, and playing every minute of Chelsea’s three Premier league games.
Andreas Christensen (No 4) has confirmed he is in talks over extending his contract at Chelsea
The 25-year-old centre half has become a key player under Blues manager Thomas Tuchel (left)
He has one year left on his current deal and would be a free agent next summer, however, he has underlined his desire to stay.
‘I know a lot is being said right now. I can’t say too much, but I think it looks good,’ said Christensen, who has graduated through Chelsea’s academy.
‘We have won the Champions League and the Super Cup. I am very happy to be at this club and feel Chelsea are the right place to be in England,’ he told Ekstra Bladet.
Acknowledging the role Chelsea’s boss has played in his resurgence, Christensen added: ‘I know Thomas Tuchel believes in me. I have also played a big role since he came.
Sportsmail reported that his team-mate Antonio Rudiger (left) was also in line for an extension
‘I had a very difficult period under [Frank] Lampard, shortly before he was fired. Now luckily it’s going the right way for me. Things can go fast in this world. The most important thing is just that I have never given up.
‘It is super cool to play a major part, and be in the thick of things. But, as I have experienced, things can change quickly. Suddenly some other players can perform well or be given a chance, and then I can end up in the cold again.’
Chelsea failed in a bid to sign Jules Kounde from Sevilla last month and the France international remains on their radar. Talks are continuing with Rudiger who will also be out of contract next summer and has interest from a number of clubs across Europe.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga, the world’s most expensive goalkeeper, has underlined his frustration at being relegated to the role of understudy following Edouard Mendy’s excellent form.
And Kepa Arrizabalaga (third from right) has underlined his frustration at being second choice
‘Everyone wants to play. Everyone wants to be in the starting line up on Saturday and Sunday,’ he told Radio Marca. ‘For outfield players, there’s a chance of coming on, but the goalkeeper surely isn’t going to play. It’s not easy. The game days when you don’t play aren’t easy.
‘You need to assume your role at that point. Help as best you can. During the week, on a daily basis, push to the maximum. Doing it for you, not for anyone else, just to be prepared. To keep improving and to be ready when given the opportunity or for any circumstance.’
However, Arrizabalaga has praised Tuchel’s handling of the squad. ‘It’s one of the secrets of the successes we’ve had. The team we have is filled with great players. Everyone wants to play in the most important games.
‘Those who play, those who don’t play, there’s support. Those who don’t play, they’re pushing too. It’s a group that goes in the same direction, that rejoices in the success of his teammate and that helps when someone is not having a good time.’
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