Theo Hernandez rejects Chelsea: ‘I’m happy at Milan’

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 9 Jan 2022 08:22 CST
• 3 min read

Theo Hernandez has rejected a January transfer to Chelsea, insisting he is “so happy” at current club AC Milan and is negotiating a new contract.

The France international joined Milan from Real Madrid for €22m in 2019 and his value has more than tripled since then.

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Theo has developed into the best left back in Serie A and one of the most exciting young full-backs in all of Europe.

His performances has led to a number of Europe’s top clubs being linked with making a big-money transfer bid.

PSG sporting director Leonardo is a well-known admirer and made an enquiry this past summer, while Manchester City are also said to be interested.

But it is Chelsea who have been tipped to make an official bid for the 24-year-old in January.

The Blues only have Marcos Alonso available at left wing-back as Emerson Palmieri is out on loan at Lyon and Ben Chilwell is out with a long-term injury.

Theo is also considered perfect for Thomas Tuchel’s wing-back system as he is better going forward than he is defensively.

But Theo insists he is happy at Milan and is negotiating for a new contract, his current deal expiring in 2024.

What did Theo Hernandez say?

“Talks are underway for my contract extension with AC Milan," he told Sky Sport Italia.

"We’re at good point - negotiations are progressing, I’m so happy here since day one."

Theo Hernandez posted brilliant statistics during his first two seasons in Milan. He scored seven goals and made three assists in the 2019-20 season, before adding eight goals and seven assists in the 2020-21 campaign.

This season, Theo’s overall numbers have dropped a touch but he struck twice during Milan's 3-0 win at Venezia on Sunday that temporarily took his team to the top of the table.

Theo also scored his first national team goal this season, hitting a late winner in France’s 3-2 UEFA Nations League semi-final comeback victory over Belgium in October.