Andreas Christensen won’t consider joining another Premier League club out of respect for Chelsea, according to reports.
The Blues defender is out-of-contract at the end of the season, with a renewal at Stamford Bridge appearing less and less likely come the summer.
The Dane is one of three defenders that could leave as a free agent in a few months, with Antonio Rudiger and Cesar Azpilicueta also out-of-contract at the end of the season.
Thomas Tuchel called upon Christensen back in November to show his commitment to the club by signing a new deal, wanting him to stay at Stamford Bridge longer.
The German coach said: “My understanding weeks ago was that Andreas [Christensen] wants the same as me and the club. But we have been waiting a long time for confirmation.
“How he acts on the pitch, he needs to act now off the pitch and walk the talk. He tells us he loves Chelsea and he wants to stay. He is a big part of a big club. We want the commitment.”
The 25-year-old has been linked with a number of potential destinations for the summer, among those are Premier League clubs.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that Christensen will not consider any offers from other English clubs, due to his respect for the Blues.
However, he goes on to add that the defender is still in talks with Barcelona and Bayern Munich over a move in the future, with discussions going on since January.
The Dane has made over 150 appearances in his time for the club, becoming a particularly key player in Tuchel’s system.
The German coach has been keen to use a three-at-the-back formation that has seen Christensen become such an important player.
If he, as well as the other two defenders, leave, then the Blues may be forced to dip into the transfer market to bolster his squad.
