Barcelona are looking to make a move for Chelsea’s Andreas Christensen over the summer.
The Blaugrana have been attentive towards the free-agent pool and are looking to make Christensen their first summer signing as per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. The former La Liga champions view Christensen as a good option to bolster their under-performing defence.
Romano understands that Barcelona have been in direct contact with the 25-year-old’s agents since January. Bayern Munich are also in contention to sign the Dane defender. Barcelona have improved upon their initial bid, making them the current favourites to land Christensen.
Niklas Sule will be joining Borussia Dortmund next summer on a free transfer and the Bavarians are looking to replace the German defender with Christensen. But, with the player preferring a move to Spain, Barcelona could land him.
Andreas Christensen situation. Deal now advanced with Barcelona – they are in direct talks with his agents since January together with Bayern. 🔴 #FCB
Barça have now improved their bid after new direct contacts and that’s why they feel ‘confident’. Bayern are still in the race. pic.twitter.com/yZAR1NfLQL
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 1, 2022
Los Cules are looking to offload (h/t Football Espana) Samuel Umtiti, Clement Lenglet, and Oscar Mingueza next summer. Thus, it is clear why they want Christensen. His teammate, Cesar Azpilicueta is also on their radar of potential targets for next term.
What will Andreas Christensen add to Barcelona?
Christensen is a solid option for Xavi. He averages 0.9 tackles per game this season while having an average successful pass rate of close to 90% (89.2). He has also been making an average of 2.4 clearances per game this season.
The Dane has made only 12 appearances this season, including two starts. He has unfortunately missed nine games for Chelsea this season, due to injuries and COVID-19.
He will be a solid addition to Barcelona and can be the perfect partner for Ronald Araujo at the centre of the defence. Christensen also provides an aerial threat in the opposition box, standing at 1.88m tall.
If Barcelona decide to go for a premium centre-back, the 25-year-old will only add to their defensive depth. Moreover, with him potentially arriving on a Bosman, it is a bonus. His other strong points include his ability to anticipate and intercept the passes and make accurate long balls.
However, the most important trait of the 25-year-old is his composure and steadiness on the ball, something that Barca have been clearly lacking in the past few years.
The deal is almost done and the player wants to join the Blaugrana. This signing is a no-risk/high reward one Barcelona.
