Chelsea are open to adding a new defender this January to strengthen their squad for the second half of the season, GIVEMESPORT understands.
The Blues are prepared to bring forward summer business in order to back new head coach Liam Rosenior with a new centre-back. It follows calls from former head coach Enzo Maresca to add a new defender in the aftermath of Levi Colwill’s ACL injury.
Chelsea missed out on Dean Huijsen, who joined Real Madrid over the summer, but never made a formal offer as it was clear the ex-Bournemouth centre-back only wanted to move to the Bernabeu, and are now looking at other potential options.
Sources: Chelsea Eyeing New Defender
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior
Going further back, Chelsea even held an exploratory call with the camp of Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk prior to him signing a new two-year contract at Anfield last year. This was made out of opportunism despite nothing developing.
In the end, Chelsea decided to back their existing defenders despite Colwill's long absence. This was also in part down to the arrival of Jorrel Hato over the summer from Ajax, who is both a centre-back and left-back. Tosin, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah and Josh Acheampong are also centre-backs who are part of the first-team squad.
Chelsea are now exploring the market to determine if a long-term target is possible to sign this winter. Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, who has been described as 'scarily talented', is one player on their radar. The 20-year-old France Under-21 international is attracting interest from several top clubs in Europe, including Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
Rennes are not planning for a winter sale and Jacquet is contracted until summer 2029. France-based sources insist Jacquet is valued at around €70m (£60.6m). Como's Jacobo Ramon is another player Chelsea are keeping tabs on, but the 21-year-old Spaniard only moved from Real Madrid during the summer. Real Madrid have a 50-percent sell-on and a buyback clause.
Chelsea also discussed Bournemouth's Marcos Senesi, knowing full well the in-form 28-year-old is set to enter in free agency in the summer. Juventus appear to be the most active club exploring a move as it stands, and Chelsea appear keen on a younger name.
Bournemouth are yet to receive any winter approaches, and it is possible suitors wait until the summer when Senesi is expected to depart.
Chelsea have scouted Toulouse’s Charlie Cresswell, too, who has been the subject of a recent formal bid from Wolfsburg this week.
However, Chelsea never made an approach this window for Marc Guehi, who is set to join Manchester City from Crystal Palace. Guehi was discussed last summer with Chelsea's recruitment team deciding not to approach their former academy product. The outgoing Palace captain will now undergo his Manchester City medical after agreeing terms on a 5.5-year contract.
Acheampong Pathway Key to Thinking
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Key to any Chelsea decision on who their next defender is, whether now or summer, will be protecting the pathway of Acheampong.
Chelsea's position is the highly-rated 19-year-old is not for sale, but Bayern and Premier League clubs are keeping tabs on the situation. The 19-year-old has made 16 appearances this season in all competitions and has looked assured at the back.
Chelsea are adamant that Acheampong can't leave the club, but some of Europe's top clubs are keeping a close eye on his future in case that position changes.
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