Chelsea release six professionals including Christensen and Drinkwater

With the polarising but expected update that Andreas Christensen will definitely depart Chelsea, transfer talk will now intensify further. First of all, everyone knows the Blues want Jules Kounde, currently with Sevilla. While Kounde appears to be a prospectively fine addition to the ranks, another premium centreback is also needed. Maybe that will be Juventus’ Matthijs de Ligt, with Thomas Tuchel apparently given the ‘green light’ to pursue de Ligt – yes, the rhyming was intentional there. Will the London outfit be put off by a probable £100million plus price tag? Possibly.

Meanwhile, Cesar Azpilicueta might leave CFC, too. That eventuality would be far from ideal; and I cannot remember when three, technically, starting defenders in the same role switched sides from a huge club in preseason. Azpilicueta would be beneficial in and around the XI for at least another campaign. There has been extensive chatter surrounding the Spaniard, currently with the Spain camp on national duty. When the 32-year-old returns, he will reportedly hold a meeting with CFC. According to The Telegraph reporter Matt Law, ‘Azpi’ won’t formally request a transfer away, nor informally.

Chelsea release six professionals including Andreas Christensen and Danny Drinkwater

As previously spoken of, Chelsea announced on Friday, June 10, that they have released six professionals who will no longer feature for the club. Included with Christensen is Danny Drinkwater. The remaining pair are Charly Musonda along with Jake Clarke-Salter; the latter duo had made first team appearances.

Below is a tweet from the club’s official account thanking the Denmark international. In Christensen’s time at Chelsea, he was successful: an academy graduate who featured on 161 occasions, winning five trophies. Thanks to football.london’s chief Chels’ correspondent Adam Newson for counting the silverware.

Christensen in particular received a lot of well wishing on social media, namely Twitter, the footballing cauldron. Yet some commenters did criticise or, how can I put it, not wish him the best. However, as is the loquacious and candid climate on the platform, certain Blues supporters also aimlessly – I mean, why would Blues media staff ever respond? – questioned why Ross Barkley’s imaginary exit wasn’t also declared. Now, I’m not suggesting Barkley should stay in West London for a multitude of reasons.

Although, the disrespect for athletes, and worse, just feels unnecessary at times. Saying that, getting a fee for the England international is also a necessity. Unneeded players must leave, though with all due respect. There are other so-called fringe assets that should probably be gotten rid of. And that is prior to discussing the former Everton man’s future which is ultimately sending him somewhere.

According to the credible Nizaar Kinsella of Goal, Christensen shall join Spanish icons Barcelona when FFP regulations have been cleared by La Liga. While Drinkwater, along with Musonda, were merely “let go”. Clarke-Salter was given the option of another year at Stamford Bridge, but apparently ‘negotiated his own exit’, presumably with legal and agent assistance. JCS wants to go to a ‘top’ Championship outfit then ascend back to the Premier League.