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Rosenior needs a new defender | Getty Images
Chelsea are said to be examining their options as they look to strengthen at the back,
Chelsea are now said to be in for a centre-back this month as they look to hand Liam Rosenior the signing Enzo Maresca begged for in the summer. Maresca warned Chelsea they needed to sign a centre-back after Levi Colwill was ruled out for a potentially season-ending injury.
But the Blues chiefs wouldn’t grant that wish, and not only have Chelsea slipped behind in the race for Champions League qualification, but they have also lost Maresca, whose relationship splintered then fractured after that particular transfer decision.
With Rosenior now in charge, it seems as though Chelsea are finally willing to sign a centre-back, recognising that the team is in need of another defender. Chelsea do have options there, but they are in need of a polished centre-back with big game experience.
Chelsea will now assess whether they can get a player like that for a reasonable price this month, and that won’t be easy, with January always a tough month to do business. There aren’t many clubs willing to sell a centre-back in January, and certainly not for a good price.
Premiums are usually demanding, and that won’t suit Chelsea, who do still have to be careful with Financial Fair Play, likely needing to sell a player or two this month.
Chelsea defender candidates
According to TalkSport, Chelsea are interested in signing AFC Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi in the final two weeks of the window, although Barcelona and Juventus are said to be leading the charge.
Elsewhere, Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet and Como’s Jacobo Ramon are also said to be options. Senesi is the oldest of those options, at 28, and he doesn’t fit Chelsea’s strategy of signing young players who have room to improve and grow in value.
Ramón is just 21 years of age, but he is already a regular starter for Como, and under contract until 2030, he is likely to be a pricey option. Jacquet is a year younger, and he is also a first-team regular under a long-term deal, under terms until 2029.
On the contract front, Senesi looks the more likely option given he is out of contract this summer, meaning the Blues may be able to convince the Cherries to sell for a discounted price now. The Argentine is likely available for around £20million, but there is the complication of interest from others who are able to offer him a pre-contract ahead of the summer.
From Chelsea’s perspective, however, they need an experienced defender who is ready to play now rather than another young and inexperienced player who is going to take months to grow into the role.
The Blues already have a handful of centre-backs who can play that role, but they don’t have enough experienced players who have the knowhow to fit in now. Senesi could be that player.
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