Chelsea have made a major breakthrough in their attempts to tie down Thiago Silva and Andreas Christensen and are ‘close’ to agreeing new deals with the duo, according to reports.
Eyebrows were raised when Chelsea signed Silva on a free transfer back in August 2020 given the veteran defender had reached the twilight years of his career after calling time on his PSG spell.
Silva has since silenced his doubters across a remarkable opening 18 months at the club, playing a major role in the club’s Champions League success and establishing himself as a key member of Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
- David James names the club to win Premier League title this season
- Neville exposes Man Utd’s major problem under Rangnick
- Vieira identifies biggest ‘challenge’ for Chelsea star Conor Gallagher
But, there has been mounting uncertainty surrounding Silva’s future, with the London side already resigned to the fact they may lose Antonio Rudiger.
Christensen is also set to become a free agent at the end of the campaign as it stands but, according to Gianluca Di Marzio, the Blues are increasingly confident both players will still be on board next season.
The report adds Chelsea are ‘one step away’ from agreeing terms with Christensen. The Denmark international – who has been linked with AC Milan & Tottenham – is expected to sign a four-year agreement including the option of a fifth year.
Meanwhile, Chelsea also hope to agree an extension with Silva in the coming weeks, but resolving Christensen’s future is viewed as the priority for now.
It’s claimed Silva’s good relationship Tuchel – who he previously worked with at Ligue 1 giants PSG – will likely be key for the European champions in their discussions with the veteran centre-half.
When asked if a lack of recent game-time hindered Christensen’s chances of a new contract, Tuchel told reporters: ‘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.’
Tuchel said it was up to Christensen to prove he can ‘develop’ and become a ‘big player’ for the club. The German added: ‘We have been waiting since a long time now for confirmation and it is on Andreas to act how he acts on the pitch.
‘He needs to act now off the pitch and walk the talk because he tells us he loves Chelsea and that he wants to stay. ‘He says he wants to be a big part of this club, because he is a big part, and I think he is a perfect fit.
‘He is not done here yet and his career is far from finished at Chelsea. ‘He can still develop and be a big player. But it is on him. We want the commitment and hopefully we get it.’
