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Chelsea have been linked with a move for Real Madrid and Spanish left back Nacho Fernandez.
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Borussia Monchengladbach are willing to break their club’s transfer record for Chelsea loan star, Andreas Christensen.
Chelsea have been linked with a host of defenders, including the likes of Kalidou Koulibaly, Kostas Manolas, Antonio Rudiger and Leonardo Bonucci in order to fix their defensive woes, which were evident in this past campaign. They have now, reportedly, set their sights on Real Madrid full-back Nacho.
According to AS, Chelsea are interested in a move for Real Madrid and Spanish full back Nacho Fernandez. After coming through the ranks of Real Madrid’s famed youth academy, he has never been able to establish himself in the first team squad since making his debut in 2011.
Nacho has always found himself behind Marcelo, Danilo, Alvaro Arbeloa and Dani Carvajal in the pecking order. In 5 seasons, he has only managed to make a little over 75 appearances for Los Blancos and a move away from Madrid, in search of game time, would suit the 26-year-old.
However, with fan favourite Alvaro Arbeloa leaving and Danilo being linked with a move away from the Bernabeu, Real Madrid may not be willing to sell their Castilla graduate as he would be their only other recognised full back after Marcelo and Carvajal.
Chelsea also face competition from Villarreal and Roma, who seem to have missed out on Samuel Umtiti after it was reported that the Frenchman had reached an agreement with Barcelona.
Gladbach ready to break record for Christensen
One of the most successful Chelsea loanees from last season, Andreas Christensen has received a lot of well deserved praise for his fantastic performances for Borussia Monchengladbach. In the space of one season, he has matured into a fine young center back and his exploits in the past campaign have earned him a call to the national team and even attract interest from Barcelona.
In his first season with Die Borussen, Christensen established himself as a first team regular and made 39 appearances in all competitions for the Bundesliga side, helping them to qualify for the Champions League after a fourth placed finish. The young Dane was voted as their player of the season at the end of the campaign.
It was reported earlier that Monchengladbach were willing to break their club transfer record to sign the Danish international and keep him at the Stadion im Borussia-Park on a permanent basis. Chelsea are expected to bring him back to Stamford Bridge, given their defensive problems and Christensen’s rapid development.
Monchengladbach director Max Eberl confirmed that they would be willing to make the 20-year-old their record signing , saying “We only spend the money we have. But in the case of Christensen we are of course willing to make him a record transfer. We know for sure that a player with his qualities won’t be cheap.” [via ESPN]
Since Conte is widely expected to use the same 3-5-2 formation that he has used with Juventus in the past and Italy at the ongoing European Championships in France, Chelsea can’t afford to lose Christensen for another year unless they sign another world class talent.
With Zouma out with injury, Terry in the final years of his career and Cahill and Ivanovic not proving to be as reliable as they were in previous seasons, Andreas Christensen may be the best answer to Chelsea’s defensive issues as they look to get back into the Champions League.
