‘Difficulties have increased’ – Club turn away from Chelsea as transfers become difficult

Chelsea duo Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger are increasingly unlikely to end up at AC Milan in January.

That’s according to journalist Nicolo Ceccarini, who says the ‘difficulties have increased’ for the Serie A side to sign both players.

Milan are on the hunt for a new centre-back after losing Simon Kjaer to a long-term knee injury, which has ruled him out for the remainder of the season at least.

That’s left a hole in the middle of their defence that they need to fill, and the club are scouring the market for possible solutions.

Chelsea duo Rudiger and Christensen have both been named as targets, with a report a week ago stating that the good relations between the two clubs could facilitate a move.

Rudiger and Christensen are both out of contract at the end of the season, so will be free to discuss a free transfer for the summer market once the January window opens.

That was something Milan could have taken advantage of, but it seems the ‘difficulties have increased’ for both players.

Ceccarini doesn’t make it clear what those difficulties are, but in terms of Rudiger, it’s likely to be the fact that the biggest clubs in Europe are pursuing his signature, and Real Madrid are at the front of that queue.

Christensen, meanwhile, has seemingly been edging towards a new deal at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel putting the pressure on him publicly.

Whatever the issue is, it seems Milan believe the situation is now more difficult than it once was and are turning their attention elsewhere.