Granovskaia works her magic with Chelsea set to announce two major deals
Chelsea are reportedly on the brink of announcing new deals for two of their defensive regulars after a breakthrough in talks led by director Marina Granovskaia.
Thomas Tuchel’s side returned to winning ways on Saturday courtesy of a controversial 3-2 win over Leeds. Their winning goal arriving in stoppage time after Mateusz Klich was harshly adjudged to have fouled Antonio Rudiger in the box.
However, despite getting the tonic of a victory, Chelsea do look surprisingly fragile at the back. Two further goals conceded made it eight shipped in the last three games – an unusual sight since Tuchel took charge.
And, as Gary Lineker highlighted on Match of the Day, the Blues also have “issues to address” contractually with their defence. Indeed, regulars Thiago Silva, Antonio Rudiger and Cesar Azpilicueta all become free agents in July.
Furthermore, Andreas Christensen also falls out of contract in the summer too. Indeed, all four players are free to negotiate terms with overseas sides from January 1.
However, according to Gianluca Di Marzio, Chelsea are increasingly confident two of the quartet will still be on board next term.
Indeed, as cited by Metro, the trusted journalist states both Thiago Silva and Christensen are closing on new deals.
Granovskaia breakthrough with Christensen
He reports that Granovskaia is ‘one step away’ from finalising a new four-year deal with Christensen. The Denmark defender has been strongly linked with AC Milan in recent weeks.
However, he looks poised to sign up until summer 2026, with the option of another year on top.
The Blues are also making steady progress on an extension for veteran Brazilian Thiago Silva.
Rudiger set for a big payday as free agent
The Chelsea man is out of contract at the end of this season, as is captain Azpilicueta.
Eyebrows were raised when Chelsea signed him as a free agent from PSG at the age of 35.
Now 37, he has been one of Chelsea’s most consistent performers this season.
The Blues are planning to offer him another, rolling, one-year deal which will take the player close to his 39th birthday.
Thiago Silva has a strong relationship with Tuchel, with the German upset when he was allowed to depart former side PSG.
Tuchel hopeful on Christensen deal
Christensen will no doubt hope to see his game time increase at Chelsea should he sign an extension.
And Tuchel was adamant recently that good news was imminent. Furthermore, he claims that an apparent lack of regular football will not hinder their hopes of keeping the Dane.
“No, it’s the opposite,” Tuchel said.
“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.”
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