Chelsea are reportedly planning to reinforce new manager Liam Rosenior’s squad, and are ready to make a defensive signing in the remaining weeks of the January transfer window.
Chelsea were of the busiest clubs last summer and have lined up potential targets with the transfer market in full swing. However, before the 2025/26 campaign began in earnest, they were dealt a huge blow when Levi Colwill suffered an ACL injury in a training session, with the defender predicted to miss a large chunk of the campaign.
Former manager Enzo Maresca did mention publicly that he wanted a replacement for the injured Colwill, but the club instead wanted an internal solution. That have forced the Blues to rotate their centre-back options between Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile with Trevoh Chalobah starting regularly.
Rosenior, who replaced Maresca five days after the Italian was relieved of his duties, said after the 3-2 defeat to Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg that defensive blunders cost them the match.
According to The Telegraph, Chelsea are looking for a central defender who can play out from the back and have been linked with Stade Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet and Jacobo Ramon, who only joined Como from Real Madrid last summer.
While the report added that the FIFA Club World Cup champions are also targeting a new midfielder and a versatile attacker in 2026, it was said that the defence is the most prioritized position they want to strengthen. Chelsea have endured a rollercoaster campaign so far and currently sit eighth in the Premier League table.
Chelsea reach verbal agreement with Premier League club for 21-year-old star – Reports
According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have reached a verbal agreement with Leeds United for the loan move of Facundo Buonanotte until the end of the season.
The 21-year-old moved to Stamford Bridge on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion in the last transfer market but has struggled for minutes at Stamford Bridge. He was handed a rare start against in the 5-1 FA Cup win over Charlton Athletic and marked his appearance with an assist.
In the latest development, Romano claimed Buonanotte will soon undergo his medical at Leeds after the west London club and Brighton allowed him to move to Elland Road for the rest of the season. Should the deal be completed, it would be the first transfer decision made under Rosenior.