Chelsea are said to have made a “major breakthrough” in their efforts to agree contracts with defenders Thiago Silva and Andreas Christensen.
Metro, reports that journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has claimed that the club are increasingly confident of retaining both central defenders – who are both set to become free agents at the end of the season.
The report suggests that the Blues are “one step away” from agreeing terms with Christensen, who is expected to put pen to paper on a four-year agreement including the option of a fifth year despite rumoured interest from AC Milan and Tottenham.
Speaking to the media earlier this month, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel when asked whether a lack of game time had reduced Christensen’s chances of a new deal, said: “No, it’s the opposite.
“We have to hope that it influences the contract situation a little bit. My understanding was that it is a matter of a very short period that we have good news.
“I said this in the national break, that for me it is a matter of days that we think that we can have good news about Andreas.
“As I understand it, the club want the same, and so do the coach and player. That is to stay, and that’s why we need the commitment and then we can continue.”
Chelsea also hope to agree an extension with Silva in the coming weeks, but resolving Christensen’s future is reportedly viewed as the priority for the time being.
But Antonio Rudiger is looking “increasingly likely” to leave the club on a free transfer this summer, with reports suggesting that he will become one of the highest paid defenders in the world by doing so.
