Chelsea have long-term plan in place for rising star Andreas Christensen

Center back and occasional right back and defensive midfielder Andreas Christensen joined Chelsea from Brondby's academy as a 16-year-old in 2012.  All he's done in the four years since is go from strength to strength and plaudit to plaudit, starring for Chelsea's U18 and U21 sides, offseason friendlies, and even making his first-team as well as his Premier League debut last season.

Last summer he joined Borussia Monchengladbach on a two-year loan, where he's continued his irrepressible rise up the ranks.  He's become an indispensable part of coach Andre Schubert's setup and made his senior international debut for Denmark as well.  He's done so well in fact, that both Chelsea and Gladbach are already vying for the youngster's long-term affection, not to mention the supposed interest from the likes of Bayern Munich and Barcelona.  But he signed a new five-year contract with Chelsea last summer, so as much as Christensen may be enjoying his time in the Bundesliga, most of the leverage remains with Chelsea.  And apparently we've got a plan.  So hands off, everybody!

According to the Evening Standard, while Chelsea will not cut the loan short (which is the smartest thing to do from everyone's perspective) they have apparently reassured the 20-year-old that he's got a place earmarked for him in the squad starting the season after next, in 2017-18.  Which is also the smart thing to do.  Presumably he'll only get better between now and then, which does bode really well for our defensive prospects.