Chelsea News: Antonio Conte To Begin Contract Talks With Impressive £35,000-a-week Defender

Chelsea are set to open talks with Andreas Christensen at the turn of the year in regards to a new long-term contract at Stamford Bridge, as per reports. Signed from Danish club Brondby in 2012, Christensen has become a vital member of Antonio Conte’s first-team plans, stepping up since David Luiz’s reported fallout with the manager.

The Denmark international has moved ahead of the currently injured Luiz in the pecking order following his impressive performances at the back for the Blues this season. After spending two successful years on loan with Borussia Monchengladbach in the Bundesliga, Christensen has continued his development in the Premier League and has earned rave reviews for his performances.

The 21-year-old, whose current deal expires in 2020, has started 16 games in all competitions in this campaign. He signed a five-year deal in 2015, which was reported at the time to be worth around £35,000 a week.

However, according to The London Evening Standard, the Blues want to ensure he remains in West London by making him sign a new deal before the World Cup in the summer. Christensen has been tipped to have a bright future in the game by Chelsea’s backroom staff, with the club’s loan technical coach Eddie Newton drawing favourable comparisons between him and former Chelsea skipper John Terry.

“Andreas is a player that we can definitely have here for the next 10 years,” Newton told Chelsea TV, as reported by The London Evening Standard.

“He is another John Terry for me, and has that same kind of stature because he has got that ability.

“This season, he stepped in against Tottenham and Manchester United and it was like he has been there all his life. He is an incredible footballer and one this club should keep hold of very tightly,” he added.

Meanwhile, contract talks with Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois remain a priority next year but Christensen is closer to a new bumper contract. The Dane’s emergence as Conte’s preferred centre-back to play alongside Gary Cahill and Cesar Azpilicueta has led to talk that Luiz could be set for the exit door at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea will be eager to make sure they get Christensen to commit to new terms as he has shown signs of potentially being one of the world’s best defenders in the years to come.