Hudson-Odoi loan plus cash for Sancho? 5 silly swaps Chelsea could pull off

2. Andreas Christensen + Cash :: Dayot Upamecano, Alessio Romagnoli or Milan Skriniar

Andreas Christensen was once touted as Chelsea’s next John Terry: after his impressive spell in Germany he would be the academy graduate – a centre back, no less – who would break into the first team. For about half a season he lived up to the billing, until one fateful night in Camp Nou completely crushed him. Failing on the biggest stage is an experience that hasn’t been kind to Christensen, as he lost his place in the team and has not looked motivated to earn it back.

There is undoubtedly a good player in there somewhere, a player who would prosper in a league that is not as physically demanding. His time in Germany proved he does have the talent to be world class, and unfortunately for Chelsea, it could be elsewhere.

Sometimes a player can never succeed in one league but could look like a world-beater in one that suits him better. And, such as in this case, his club could still make good of a bad situation.

Chelsea could do with a centre back to shore up their often flimsy back line, and a swap deal involving Christensen could open up two intriguing avenues.

The first would be to go to RB Leipzig (again) and court their extremely promising young defender, Dayot Upamecano. The French player is an excellent example for any promising youngster hoping to make it: keep away from the spotlight while biding your time at a club that guarantees game time.

His patience and work ethic have shined through as he has developed all the attributes required of a modern-day centre back to go with his beastly physicality.

The second entails the defenders’ paradise: Serie A. On the red side of Milan lies a defender frequently linked to Chelsea in the past, AC Milan captain Alessio Romangnoli.

The Italian is the perfect no-nonsense defender who would discipline Chelsea’s backline and provide the club with much-needed leadership. His left foot and long ball playing abilities would add an extra dimension to the team.

The same can be said about Milan Skrinar, who has risen to prominence in the last three years. He might not have Romagnoli’s left foot, but his monstrous physique and calmness on the ball could point towards an elite career with the Blues.

For Christensen, a return to Germany or a move to Italy will no doubt seem like a promising prospect, as he will get regular minutes that are so essential for his development. All those mentioned clubs will surely jump at the chance to nab a player with his potential.