Chelsea may have three options to replace Andreas Christensen as contract talks stall

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Chelsea appear to be facing the possibility of losing Andreas Christensen on a free transfer at the end of the season. The defender has emerged as a key member of the Blues side under Thomas Tuchel, making 10 appearances in all competitions since the beginning of the campaign, but will be out of contract next summer as things stand.

Christensen was widely expected to sign a new deal at Stamford Bridge, with talks previously said to have reached an advanced stage.

However, it seems as though his immediate future is now hanging in the balance after the Blues failed to strike an agreement over extended terms.

The 25-year-old will be able to negotiate a free transfer to a foreign club from January, suggesting that Chelsea could be forced to let him go ahead of next season.

The European champions may be inclined to dip into the mid-season market to secure a suitable replacement for Christensen, with Antonio Rudiger and Thiago Silva, whose deals also expire in 2022, also yet to sign fresh terms in west London.

Express Sport takes a look at three options for Chelsea to consider if they are unable to tie down the Danish centre-back beyond the end of the current campaign.

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Jules Kounde

Chelsea are known to be keen admirers of Kounde, who has established himself as one of Europe’s finest young defenders throughout his time with Sevilla.

He made 49 appearances in all competitions last season and was targeted by the Blues over the summer, but ultimately remained in Spain after the two clubs failed to agree a fee.

The 22-year-old was said to be aggrieved by the failure of his proposed move to Stamford Bridge and is said to have remained on Chelsea’s radar ahead of the January window.

However, it remains to be seen whether Sevilla will be prepared to let their prized asset leave in the middle of the season.

Pau Torres

Chelsea were also credited with an interest in landing Torres, who helped Villarreal to achieve Europa League glory last season, over the summer.

The Spaniard was also heavily linked with Manchester United, but the Red Devils ended up signing Raphael Varane from Real Madrid instead.

Torres has recently established himself as a crucial member of the side for club and country and has been tipped to achieve great things over the course of his career.

It seems as though he is destined to leave Villarreal in the near future, with Chelsea likely to be among the clubs vying for his signature when the time comes.

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Marquinhos

Chelsea may also be tempted to raid Paris Saint-Germain for Marquinhos, who excelled under Thomas Tuchel’s guidance during the latter’s time in charge of the French giants.

The Blues reportedly launched a bid to land the Brazilian defender over the summer but were prevented from speaking to the player himself.

Marquinhos has more than proven himself as a top-class operator in recent years, with his leadership skills able to serve Chelsea well in the potential absences of Christensen, Rudiger and Silva.

However, PSG are unlikely to roll over and allow the 27-year-old to leave on the cheap, suggesting that a big-money offer will be required to bring him to west London.

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