Chelsea Transfer News: Andreas Christensen Discusses Summer Rumours, More

Andreas Christensen will decide whether he wants to return to Chelsea or stay with Borussia Monchengladbach next summer, while AC Milan starlet Alessio Romagnoli praised the Rossoneri for turning back the Blues when they made an offer for him during the summer transfer window.

Christensen has just started his second season on loan with Monchengladbach, who were keen to turn the deal into a permanent one but had a £14.5 million offer rejected by Chelsea.

According to Sam Long of the London Evening Standard, manager Antonio Conte wants the Denmark international to be a part of his squad next season, but Christensen believes the two clubs will sit down again to discuss a fee. He doesn't want the speculation to impact his play, as he told Bild (h/t Long):

"

I have not yet decided. I’m not going to do it at the moment.

When it comes to me, I decide until next summer.

I don’t want to be distracted, but fully focus on the difficult tasks with Borussia.

Finally, I can’t decide alone. The question is if the clubs can agree a fee.

"

The 20-year-old enjoyed a wonderful first season with Monchengladbach, establishing himself as one of the top young defenders in the Bundesliga. His great form sparked speculation he'd return to Stamford Bridge a year early, but the German side had no intention of letting the centre-back walk.

Martin Meissner/Associated Press

Chelsea's search for defensive help led them to Romagnoli and eventually David Luiz, who returned to the club after a spell with Paris Saint-Germain. More depth is needed, however, with John Terry turning 36 before the end of the season.

The returning Christensen would be the perfect solution to the Blues' depth issue. As you can see in the video below, he has learned a lot in the Bundesliga, becoming a well-rounded, physical presence in the heart of defence:

These latest comments are cause for concern, however. Christensen is under contract with Chelsea, and loan players normally know full well their fate rests on their parent club. You don't often see players speak about their futures this openly, or emphasise they have a part to play in the decision.

Chelsea have been in this situation before―back when Thibaut Courtois was winning silverware with Atletico Madrid, there were also rumours he wasn't open to a return. He even told AS (h/t ESPN FC) he didn't want to go back to London, but he eventually returned and became the club's regular starter.

Matthias Schrader/Associated Press

Multiyear loan deals often carry such a risk. Young players are suddenly promoted into the starting XI and enjoy the playing time they didn't previously see, and the prospect of going back and perhaps losing that starting position is a scary one.

Ultimately, it will be up to Chelsea to decide what happens with Christensen, although the club will likely not hold him hostage if the Dane doesn't want to return.

Meanwhile, Romagnoli told reporters he was happy Chelsea made a move for him during the summer but even more happy Milan rejected the offer, per Football Italia:

"

The fact there was an offer was pleasing, but I am even more gratified by the fact Milan said no.

This pushes me on to grow even more and improve myself. I am happy to have remained. President Silvio Berlusconi made a big investment for me and that’s enormously pleasing.

Milan are certainly behind Juventus right now, but I don’t think we are missing anything in particular. We just need to work together and grow as a unit.

"

Chelsea's massive offer for the talented Italian was roughly £41 million, per the report, highlighting just how badly Conte wanted to add his compatriot. The former AS Roma man is seen as the future of the Azzurri, combining with Juventus' Daniele Rugani to carry on the tradition of world-class Italian defending.

While Rugani is mainly known for his vision and strong positional skills, Romagnoli is an extremely athletic defender with remarkable strength and reflexes. Have a look at some of his highlights:

The 21-year-old is hugely important for Milan, who were recently taken over by a Chinese investment firm and will do everything possible to keep hold of their two young stars, Romagnoli and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

A sale of either anytime soon is highly unlikely, even if clubs are willing to spend more than the reported £41 million bid.