According to Sky Sport Italia, Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen could be a summer transfer target for Serie A giants Inter Milan.
The 21-year-old centre-back, who is valued at £15.3m by transfermarkt.com, has just returned to Stamford Bridge following a successful two-year loan spell in Germany with Borussia Monchengladbach – where he also played Champions League football – and will be hoping to force his way into Antonio Conte’s first team plans during pre-season.
The Denmark international didn’t have an opportunity to impress the Italian manager when he was appointed last summer, and he will be keen to make an impression in order to stake a claim for a spot in the starting line-up ahead of the likes of Gary Cahill, David Luiz and Cesar Azpilicueta, who formed such an impressive three-man defence last term.
However, the Nerazzurri are keen to bring the Dane to Italy having been impressed with the defender during his 81 appearances in all competitions for the Bundesliga outfit over the course of the two campaigns.
Here are three reasons Chelsea should sell Christensen this summer…
Defensive options
While Chelsea will have a more congested fixture list next season due to their participation in the Champions League, they have plenty of defensive options and it is difficult to see Christensen getting enough playing time.
The trio of Cesar Azpilicueta, Gary Cahill and David Luiz were outstanding as the Blues cruised to the Premier League title, while they have the promising Kurt Zouma in reserve and look set to add Roma star Antonio Rudiger to their options as well.
With so much talent available to choose from and few opportunities for Christensen to continue his development next season, Conte should look to sell the 21-year-old this summer.
Transfer fee
While they may not always get it right when it comes to giving youth players a chance in the first team, you can’t fault Chelsea for the money they receive for those players when they sell them on.
Having recently received £20m for Nathan Ake from Bournemouth, despite the Dutchman making just 17 appearances in all competitions for the Blues, they may feel they could get a hefty sum for Christensen considering the added experience he has.
The 21-year-old played 81 times for Monchengladbach in total and was a regular starter in their Champions League campaigns.
Having impressed with the German side, this could be the best opportunity for the Premier League champions to get a significant fee for the promising centre-back.
Van Dijk/Bonucci deals
If Chelsea did cash in on Christensen and received a significant fee for the 21-year-old from a club like Inter Milan, they could put the money towards a big-money deal for Juventus’ Leonardo Bonucci or Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk – two of Antonio Conte’s top summer transfer targets.
Whereas Christensen is a promising young centre-back, Conte would know that both Bonucci and Van Dijk have the experience and qualities to make a big impression in both the Premier League and Champions League next season, and that could be crucial to them having a good chance of winning both competitions.
Do you agree, Blues fans? Let us know below.