Chelsea confirm Andreas Christensen exit as Fabrizio Romano provides update on next move

Chelsea have confirmed Andreas Christensen will leave the club on a free transfer this summer as part of their released list.

Chelsea were hoping to tie Christensen down to a new contract when he entered the final six months of his current deal. But UK Government sanctions on previous owner Roman Abramovich meant they couldn’t begin renewal talks.

The Blues probably should have had his future sorted before then, but this was essentially the final nail in the coffin for a Chelsea stay.

Barcelona soon made their interest known and Christensen saw the potential for a free transfer to the Nou Camp.

It is a perfect move for Barcelona as the centre-back won’t cost any transfer fee, with his contract expiring on July 1.

Back in April, a former Barca chief spoke about the club’s pursuit of Christensen, which began three years ago.

And it now looks set to go through at the start of next month. Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano states the star has already signed his contract with Barca.

He will be announced as one of their new signings in the coming days or weeks. The Blaugrana are also poised to announce the capture of Franck Kessie from AC Milan – also on a free.

When revealing their released list, Chelsea posted a lengthy tribute to Christensen and his achievements while at the club.

A statement read: ‘Andreas Christensen’s Chelsea contract expires this summer, bringing to an end his 10 years as a Blue, during which he graduated from our Academy and subsequently secured a regular place in our senior squad, playing 161 games.

‘He would experience success in the FA Cup, Europa League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and, most memorably, the Champions League. He came off the bench in the first half of the final in Porto last