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Chelsea news: Maurizio Sarri makes decision as Barcelona make surprise transfer approach
CHELSEA boss Maurizio Sarri has rejected an approach from Barcelona for defender Andreas Christensen.
The Catalan club are looking for a replacement for Samuel Umtiti who is set for a spell on the sidelines injured.
Christensen hasn’t been used often by Sarri with the likes of Antonio Rudiger and David Luiz preferred.
Chelsea also have Gary Cahill as another centre-back option.
Umtiti could be forced into having surgery which would see him miss the rest of the season for Barcelona.
And that led to Ernesto Valverde’s side approaching Chelsea about the availability of Christensen.
But Sarri has dismissed the enquiry from Barca despite the Dane unhappy with his role at Stamford Bridge, according to the Mirror.
“There’s a difference from last season,” Christensen said earlier this month.
“I played a lot of games but this season hasn’t been like that. It’s always difficult for a player but we’ll see what happens.
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“It’s a difficult question [will you consider handing in a transfer request?]. If you asked every player that’s not playing if they’re happy, they’ll say “no”.
“Everyone wants to play but you know I can’d do anything but train and do my best when I get the opportunity.
“I have to perform well to show him [Sarri] that he can count on me. You don’t want to sit around and wait for it you want to play straight away – that’s why we play football.
“Not playing is not fun but it’s a different situation to last season. I don’t think so [leaving in January].”
Christensen has only featured in the Carabao Cup and Europa League for Chelsea this season.
But it appears the 22-year-old will not be allowed to leave for Barcelona in January.
Chelsea return to action on Sunday against Fulham in the Premier League (12pm).