The January transfer window is almost a fortnight old and unsurprisingly, Chelsea continue to be linked with player after player following Liam Rosenior’s appointment as manager.
It is unclear if Chelsea will enter the winter window as things stand, with Rosenior likely to be focused on getting used to the squad he has amid a busy schedule. His first game saw Chelsea smash Charlton 5-1.
The FA Cup clash was the first of six games in 18 days, with Arsenal next in the Carabao Cup semi-final for the Blues. But if Chelsea were to enter the market, the chances are it would be for defensive additions.
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Rosenior watched the defeat to Fulham, and he will have noted that Robert Sanchez’s distribution is poor while the centre-backs handed Raul Jimenez the keys to the penalty box for Fulham’s first in a 2-1 loss.
What Cesc Fabregas has said about Chelsea’s latest target
Centre-backs are likely to be at the top of the agenda for Chelsea if they do enter the window this month. Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi has been linked, while Antonio Rudiger has been touted to return to Chelsea.
Another is Como’s Spanish defender Jacobo Ramon, with Chelsea one of six Premier League clubs eyeing the Spain U21 star. Ramon was signed by Cesc Fabregas from Real Madrid last summer, for just £2m.
Jacobo Ramon in action for Como
Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images
Now, he’s being touted at £16m. Comfortable on the ball, but a throwback to an old-fashioned centre-back, Ramon has huge potential and Fabregas is a massive fan of his, telling TuttoSport this in 2025.
“Jacobo is a young player but with great potential. He comes from one of the most competitive youth academies in the world, where he honed his skills. We’re sure he can have a positive impact on our team.
“Ramon has the right mentality. The boys who have arrived have been accustomed, in their brief careers, to being under pressure, to always playing to win, to getting used to attacking with a high line of play.
“We’re trying to bring that to Como, accustomed to this style of play, who don’t get nervous. Ramon was devastating against Lazio, but he’s 20. We must never forget that he, too, will make mistakes; it’s normal.”
If Chelsea only make one signing in January, who should it be?👀
Vinicius Jr. is off the table…
Vinicius Jr. hasn't had talks with Chelsea
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
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The issue Chelsea have in the middle of defence
There is no doubt that Trevoh Chalobah is a good player, that Tosin is a solid top-half Premier League defender, and that Benoit Badiashile can be a serious player in the future. But they are not experienced.
It could be argued that Tosin is, but Chelsea need a defender with Thiago Silva’s aura, presence, and know-how. A player with Rudiger’s leadership and experience that the other defenders can learn from.
Rosenior is an expert in working with young players. He’s proven so at Strasbourg and at Derby while working under Wayne Rooney and as interim manager. He is excellent at turning potential into reality.
But in a Chelsea side where the pressure is massive, it is important to have elder players that the young stars can turn to. At centre-back, Chelsea need an elder head, despite Ramon’s quality and potential.
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