Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly set to fight it out for the signing of Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen.
According to a report from Daily Star, Tottenham Hotspur have joined Manchester City and Manchester United in the race to sign Chelsea academy graduate Andreas Christensen in the summer.
The Dane joined the Blues’ youth setup in 2012, aged 14, and rose through the ranks, although he had to bide his time to make a breakthrough into the first team. Christensen enjoyed a stunning two-year loan spell at Borussia Monchengladbach between 2015 and 2017, following which he has been a regular fixture in the Chelsea senior squad, although he has had to share game-time.
The 25-year-old has made 144 appearances for the west London giants to date, 17 of which have come in the ongoing campaign. Christensen has enjoyed a steady rise in prominence at Stamford Bridge under the tutelage of Thomas Tuchel over the past year.
However, with his contract running out at the end of the season, clubs are queuing to sign him on a free transfer in the summer. Now, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham have all entered the fray for the signing of the Danish international.
The interest from Manchester City comes as a surprise considering they have already three frontline centre-backs in the form of Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte and John Stones, while Nathan Ake is also an option. However, Ake has been linked with an exit, with West Ham United and Newcastle United interested. So, Christensen could come in as a replacement to shore up the Cityzens’ defensive region.
As for Manchester United, defence has been an area of concern this season despite the signing of Raphael Varane, who has been battling fitness problems. Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have blown hot and cold while Eric Bailly could be on his way out due to a lack of opportunities. So, signing another Premier League-proven like Christensen can work out well for the Red Devils.
Of the three clubs mentioned, Tottenham could do most with adding Christensen to their ranks. The Lilywhites’ defence has been leaky all season, with new boss Antonio Conte keen on addressing the issue. Cristian Romero is seen as a key player, but Davinson Sanchez and Eric Dier’s likes have blown hot and cold while Joe Rodon is headed for an exit.
Christensen is a player Conte knows from his Chelsea days and could lure him to join forces at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Chelsea, however, are not giving up without a fight as Tuchel sees the 25-year-old as an important player and has instructed the club to tie him down to a new deal. The Blues will need to act fast with Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva on expiring contracts, apart from Christensen.
