Chelsea have held repeated talks with the representative of a highly-rated defender who is said to have rejected an approach from Arsenal last summer.
Chelsea looking to sign new centre-back in January
Chelsea have dramatically altered their January transfer strategy by deciding to pursue a new centre-back this month, representing a significant U-turn in their approach under new head coach Liam Rosenior.
The Telegraph reports that Chelsea are ready to make a move for a new defender this month after previously lining up targets for the summer.
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior
The club had initially planned to offload at least one defender before adding reinforcements at the end of the season, but are now prepared to compromise on this if they can strike a deal for the right man.
This shift comes after Chelsea couldn't grant former manager Enzo Maresca his request for defensive reinforcements last summer following Levi Colwill's serious ACL injury.
Maresca had publicly stated his frustration in August, making clear the club knew his position on needing a centre-back after missing out on Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed internal discussions have taken place at Stamford Bridge regarding new defenders, though he stressed this wouldn't impact youngster Josh Acheampong's situation.
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The club also reportedly plan to pursue a new midfielder and versatile attacker in 2026, though defence has emerged as the immediate priority for Rosenior.
Reports suggest Chelsea are specifically targeting ball-playing centre-halves who fit Rosenior's possession-based philosophy.
Two names have emerged as primary candidates: Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet and Como's Jacobo Ramón.
jeremy-jacquet-stade-rennais
Jacquet has impressed after coming through the Stade Rennais academy and is now a regular starter for their first team.
Ramón joined Como from Real Madrid last summer seeking more opportunities and has started 16 of 17 Serie A matches this season, scoring two goals.
However, any deal for the Spaniard would be complicated by Real Madrid retaining a 50 per cent sell-on clause and multiple buy-back options.
Therefore, Jacquet may be far more attainable, even if he signed a new deal last year and snubbed an approach to join Arsenal, at least according to reliable Ligue 1 journalist Santi Aouna.
Chelsea hold repeated talks with Jeremy Jacquet via his agent
As per reporter Simon Phillips, via his Substack, Chelsea are very keen on Jacquet.
Jacquet
The journalist claims that Chelsea have spoken to the Frenchman's agent about a potential move to west London on multiple occasions since Christmas, with the Blues looking to succeed where Arsenal failed last year.
"Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes is a player Chelsea have followed closely and admired for some time," said Phillips.
"Only a few days ago, we reported that Chelsea have spoken to Jacquet’s agent twice since Christmas."
Rennes' rising star has been dubbed a real one to watch by experts, with Como scout Ben Mattinson publicly branding the centre-back a 'Rolls Royce' and world football's next highly coveted star in that position.
Despite his tender age, Jacquet has started all but one of Rennes' Ligue 1 matches this term, having become an undisputed member of their starting eleven.
The only match he missed was through suspension, with Jacquet's spotless track record when it comes to fitness also potentially very attractive.
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The Blues are looking to make a winter signing.