Chelsea Transfer News: Victor Lindelof Wanted, Andreas Christensen Exit Rumours

Chelsea are reportedly preparing to meet Benfica defender Victor Lindelof's €30 million release clause. 

That's according to Portuguese outlet Record (h/t Sport Witness), which noted the 22-year-old is already in England at a training camp with his club.

Primarily a centre-back, the Swede can fill in across the back four if needed or as a holding midfielder.

He graduated from Benfica's reserve team midway through the season and quickly established himself as a fixture in the starting XI.

Portuguese football expert Jan Hagen noted his change of fortunes in a short space of time:

However, his rapid rise to the first team should also prompt caution from Chelsea or any other prospective suitors—signing him for that amount of money on the back of just half a season, even an excellent one, is a hefty gamble.

Hagen noted as much and believes it will likely ensure he stays put this summer:

What's more, Chelsea already have a promising young defender in their ranks in Andreas Christensen, and despite only being 20, he's slightly more experienced than Lindelof having had a full season on loan with Borussia Monchengladbach in the Bundesliga.

Martin Meissner/Associated Press

According to Simon Johnson of the Evening Standard, Chelsea are happy to let him remain there another year to garner more time on the field but have turned down Gladbach's £14.5 million offer to make the move permanent.

Max Eberl, the sporting director of the Bundesliga outfit, said: "Our big dream is that we can keep Andreas. We will do everything in our power. He had a wonderful year."

He did indeed have an excellent year, as BT Sport's Archie Rhind-Tutt noted:

Christensen is already an exceptional reader of the game and possesses a composure that belies his tender age. Here's a look at his stats, per Squawka:

	Christensen
Apps	31
Goals	3
Tackles	31
Interceptions	82
Aerial Duels	89
Clearances	130
Blocks	22
Pass Completion	87

The Blues have reportedly "earmarked him to be part of their squad for the 2017-18 season," which seems a wise move.

Another full campaign of senior football—something he's unlikely to get staying at Stamford Bridge this year—will be under his belt, while John Terry will be 36 and rapidly approaching the end of his career.

In the meantime, Lindelof isn't worth the gamble with Christensen already at the club.