Almost Done – 6ft 2in CB Set To Complete Chelsea Transfer
Several reports are doing the rounds in English and German news outlets claiming that Borussia Monchengladbach are close to landing highly rated 19-year-old Chelsea centre back Andreas Christensen on a season long loan deal.
The Danish center half arrived at Stamford Bridge in 2012 from Brondby after eight years with his hometown club. He made his Chelsea debut in a league cup fixture against Shrewsbury last October , and was handed his Premier League bow in the final game of the last season against Sunderland , when he replaced John Obi Mikel for the final 12 minutes. Already touted by many in the Danish set up as the long term successor to Daniel Agger, the youngster already has two caps for Denmark, and now looks headed to the German club in search of regular football.
The Daily Mail are claiming that the 19-year-old is currently awaiting Chelsea’s approval before finalizing a loan move. Chelsea, for their part , are prepared to grant him that wish , provided he signs an extension to his current contract that expires next summer. The player is said to be stalling on the deal as he is concerned with the lack of opportunities in the Chelsea first team. However, Mourinho wishes to keep him for the long term , which can only mean an agreement is on the cards.
Borussia Monchengladbach are keen on bringing him to the club to reinforce their defence ahead of next season which will also see them participate in their first ever Champions League campaign in their history. Club sporting director Max Eberl has also conceded that the defender is a prime target for the club as they look to strengthen for a busy schedule.
Speaking to Spox.com , Eberl stated :
“We want to loan Christen from Chelsea. That would complete our plans for central defence.”
Speaking of his club’s European commitments, he said :
“We know it will be a tough season. The situation is new to us.I have to admit that I only know Champions League from the TV as well. One can only imagine the kind of pressure we will face there.”
A deal appears to be the best solution for all parties involved. The youngster will get regular football that seems impossible at Chelsea , and most importantly, the chance to experience the demands of the Champions League as well as the Bundesliga at such a tender age. Gladbach will be getting a highly rated teenager with a determination to prove himself , who can provide valuable cover in what is set to be a long season. For Chelsea , it might be the next step in the discovery of a long term replacement for their club captain and legend John Terry , as come next season , they will be able to count on a 20-year-old with an experience of playing at some of the biggest stages.