The father of Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen has confirmed his son is being pursued by clubs in Europe’s top four leagues, but he says that Blues boss Antonio Conte is a big fan of the 21 year old and wants keep the player at Stamford Bridge.
Stan Christensen was speaking to a Danish TV station (quotes via ChelseaNews.ru) about the centre half, recounting the moment when Conte first saw Christensen up close:
“At Chelsea, they have high expectations. After the first training [session], Conte said to [technical director] Michael Emenalo: ‘He’s even better live than on TV!’.”
The Danish international had spent two years on loan at Borussia Monchengladbach before returning to Chelsea this summer. Reports have suggested the defender was the subject of an offer from Gladbach, as well as interest from Inter Milan, but his father believes his future lies in London, even if he thinks his son may find it hard to break into the first team:
“He’s returned to Chelsea as a first team player. But, of course, he is still young, he is only 21 years old and if you look at the guys with whom he competes, then it will be difficult for him. But we must be patient. He has interested many clubs, top clubs from the top four [European] leagues, but Chelsea do not want to sell him.”
Cesar Azpilicueta, Gary Cahill and David Luiz look set to start the season as the first choice back three back but it seems Christensen will be a key backup option, alongside new signing Antonio Rudiger.