Monaco Reportedly in 'Pole Position' to Sign Andreas Christensen from Chelsea

Monaco are reportedly leading the race to sign Andreas Christensen from Chelsea in the January transfer window.

According to Foot Mercato (h/t Naveen Ullal of Sport Witness), the principality outfit are in "pole position" to land the Denmark international following his struggles to get into the Blues team this season.

Borussia Monchengladbach, who had Christensen on loan for two years previously, are said to be out of the running because the player's fee would be too much for them to afford.

In the report, it's suggested that Monaco director Michael Emenalo, formerly of Chelsea, has a strong relationship with the Blues, and that could be key to getting a deal done in the January window.

New Monaco manager Thierry Henry is said to be keen on strengthening the defensive options within his squad. He took charge of the team for the first time on Saturday and watched them slump to a disappointing 2-1 loss to Strasbourg.

Monaco, who were champions of France in 2016-17, are now 19th in the top flight, with bottom club Guingamp only behind them on goal difference. It's been a long time since the team got off to such a testing start:

One of the main issues for Henry will be improving a defence that has shipped 15 goals in their 10 Ligue 1 games so far this season. With that in mind, Christensen would represent a savvy acquisition.

Although he's struggled to get minutes this season, the defender was excellent when used in 2017-18 by previous manager Antonio Conte. Playing as part of a back three, his understanding of the game, aggression and composure on the ball stood out for a player making his first foray into Premier League football.

However, this season the chances have dried up, and subsequently there have been rumours about a possible exit.

Per Ullal, the defender's father has said he could leave in January. Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri, meanwhile, has challenged him to force his way into contention:

RMC Sport's Sebastien said it would be disappointing if the Blues were to lose the defensive talent:

So far this season, Chelsea have been using David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger as their primary centre-backs. Despite some hairy moments in the 2-2 draw with Manchester United on Saturday, in the main they've excelled as a partnership.

Christensen appears to be first in line to come in should either of that pair pick up an injury or a suspension. If he does get a chance before the upcoming transfer window, it feels crucial that he takes it and cements a spot in the side if he's to have a long-term future with the Blues.