Chelsea Transfer News: Fresh Ben Gibson Rumours, Latest on Andreas Christensen

Chelsea will reportedly take a close look at Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson when the two sides meet in the Premier League on Sunday with a view to a possible transfer.

That’s according to Kieran Gill of MailOnline, who has suggested the 23-year-old “will be forgiven if he thinks of this weekend's clash with Chelsea as an audition in front of Antonio Conte.” It’s suggested the Blues have been keeping tabs on Gibson, with centre-back an area the team are seeking to strengthen in January.

Gill added that the youngster’s performances for the newly promoted outfit have seen him close to an England call-up as of late, and that as a homegrown player, he’d be ideal when it comes to filling the requisite squad quotas at Stamford Bridge.

Although there are different expectations for Chelsea and Boro this season, here’s a look at how Gibson compares so far in the Premier League with Blues stars David Luiz and Gary Cahill:

	Gibson	Cahill	Luiz
Apps (Sub)	11	11	7
Goals	1	1	0
Tackles per game	1.2	1.2	1.6
Interceptions per game	1.5	1.5	1.4
Clearances per game	5.5	3.5	4.7
Blocks per game	1.2	0.6	0.9
Passing accuracy	88.5%	88.7%	85.5%

Under manager Aitor Karanka, Boro have forged a reputation as a capable defensive side, and the influence of Gibson at centre-back has been crucial to that.

As noted by ESPN FC’s Miguel Delaney earlier in the season, the Englishman has shown a composure on the ball to complement his defensive tenacity:

Indeed, Gibson is a smart centre-back. He positions himself well, is quick to react to danger and makes bright decisions in key areas of the field. Additionally, as left-sided player, he brings a desirable balance to the back four.

It’s a balance that would potentially further aid Conte and his 3-4-3 system, which would have even more fluidity with a player in the left centre-back slot who can open up the game.

While Gibson wouldn’t be a glamorous acquisition and Boro would be reluctant to sell in midseason, this would be a savvy signing by the Blues if they could get it done.

Andreas Christensen Future Discussed

TF-Images/Getty Images

Borussia Monchengladbach will reportedly offer on-loan Chelsea man Andreas Christensen the chance to spend another year at the club, as they’re unable to fund a permanent deal.

That’s according to Sport Bild (h/t Tom Coast of Sport Witness), who note that the best way for the Bundesliga side to convince the Denmark international to stay is by offering European football. However, Gladbach sit in 11th in the German top flight, with the youngster's loan set to run out in the summer.

Nevertheless, per the same report, Gladbach director of football Max Eberl outlined his determination to keep the defender. “We will fight for Andreas,” he said.

That’s no surprise as Christensen has been a brilliant signing for the Foals since moving to the club on a two-year loan last summer. Here’s a look at what he can offer:

During his time at Borussia-Park, the 20-year-old has developed tremendously, excelling in the centre of defence and also doing a fine job in midfield at times. The Dane is extremely composed given his tender years and very watchful in his defensive duties; he’d be a tough man for Monchengladbach to replace if he didn't return next season.

Chelsea, as aforementioned, do look a little short in the centre-back positions, and Conte won’t be too keen to rely on the ageing duo of John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic next term. Christensen has shown in his spell in Germany that he’s ready to fill one of those places should those veterans depart.