Christensen not for sale but Cahill could leave Chelsea

Chelsea are going to reject any bids to sign defender Andreas Christensen on loan or on a permanent basis in the January transfer window.

Christensen’s future at Stamford Bridge has come under scrutiny this season after becoming a fringe member of the squad under new coach Maurizio Sarri.

The 22-year-old was a regular under Antonio Conte last term, but has not played a single minute in the Premier League this season.

It is believed that clubs in Spain, Italy and Germany, where he spent two years on loan at Borussia Monchengladbach between 2015-17, are preparing to make Chelsea an offer.

But Standard Sport understands that Chelsea, who value Christensen at £40m, will not let him leave under any circumstances.

The Denmark international signed a new four-and-a-half year contract in January and is still rated very highly at the club.

Sarri has started him in all the Europa League and League Cup games so far to make amends for his lack of action in the top flight.

Christensen has missed out on more appearances due to the form of David Luiz (above, top) and Antonio Rudiger in central defence.

Luiz has benefitted from Sarri’s arrival in particular having fallen out of favour, as well as suffering from a knee injury, last term.

The Brazil international had the opportunity to work with Sarri throughout pre-season, whereas Christensen was given extended holiday following his time with Denmark at the World Cup.

Significantly, Sarri also switched to playing with just four at the back, whereas Conte played with three centre halfs.

Sarri is a huge admirer of Luiz for his leadership skills as well as his abilities as a footballer. As Standard Sport revealed in October, he is in line to get a 12-month extension to his current deal that expires in the summer.

Christensen was interviewed while on international duty lately and expressed his discontent at the situation. He said: “If you asked every player that’s not playing if they’re happy, they’re going to say no. 

“You want to play straight away and that’s why we all play football. Not playing is not fun. It’s a different situation to last season.”

He was also asked on two occasions whether he was going to leave in the new year before giving an unconvincing reply of ‘I don’t think so’.

But Sarri (above) sees him as key to Chelsea’s bid to compete for major silverware. The club’s fixture list is set to intensify in 2019 as their defence of the FA Cup begins.

They will also face a two legged semi-final in the League Cup should they beat Bournemouth at home in the last eight next month.

Chelsea have qualified for the knock-out phase of the Europa League and trail leaders Manchester City by just four points in the Premier League.

There is a possibility that captain Gary Cahill will be allowed to leave meaning Christensen will get more opportunities to play.