Chelsea and Man City have been named as January contenders to sign a unique attacking talent from Barcelona this month, with the Catalan expected to leave this month.
The Blues have reversed their winter transfer stance by actively pursuing a new centre-back this month, representing a significant policy shift under new head coach Liam Rosenior.
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior reacts
The Telegraph's Matt Law reports that Chelsea are ready to make a move for a new defender to support Rosenior's start at Stamford Bridge, abandoning their initial plan to wait until summer before strengthening at the back.
Chelsea had previously failed to back Enzo Maresca's public pleas for defensive reinforcements last summer following Levi Colwill's ACL injury, but now the landscape has shifted.
According to multiple reports, Chelsea are keeping tabs on Jeremy Jacquet and Jacobo Ramon, as their primary targets, with journalist Ben Jacobs confirming both names are under consideration.
Jeremy Jacquet
Rennes defender Jérémy Jacquet has emerged as a leading candidate. The 20-year-old France Under-21 international is widely admired for his composure, aerial dominance, and ball-playing ability, with Rennes fast-tracking his development over the past year.
However, Chelsea face stiff competition, with L'Equipe reporting that Bayern Munich are interested, and are amongst the most interested parties, in securing the young defender.
mikel-arteta-arsenal-premier-league Related
Chelsea hold talks with 'Rolls Royce' defender who rejected Arsenal last summer
He apparently snubbed Mikel Arteta and co.
That being said, Chelsea have already spoke with Jacquet's agents multiple times since Christmas.
Como's Jacobo Ramón represents another intriguing option. The Daily Mail reports that the Blues have earmarked Como defender Jacobo Ramon as a potential option for the January window, with the 21-year-old Spaniard impressing this season.
He's started 16 of Como's last 17 Serie A matches, scoring twice since joining from Real Madrid last summer.
Any deal for Ramón would prove complicated, as Real Madrid hold an £7 million buy-back option and also own 50 per cent of his sell-on rights, potentially muddying negotiations.
Chelsea have also reportedly held conversations regarding Bournemouth's Marcos Senesi, though the 28-year-old is considered less aligned with the club's preference for younger talent given their existing transfer policy.
marcos-senesi-injury-bournemouth
Football London journalist Bobby Vincent provided an update confirming that both Jacquet and Ramon have been discussed internally, but Chelsea will only move if they feel the right player is available.
Speaking of the right players being available, it would appear Chelsea sense a major opportunity to snatch Barcelona sensation Dro Fernandez.
Chelsea battle Man City for Barcelona sensation Dro Fernandez
According to reliable GiveMeSport reporter Ben Jacobs, Fernandez is likely to leave Barça this month, with Chelsea and City now contending for the highly-rated attacker's signature.
The teenage La Masia graduate is one of sky-high potential.
Fernandez, who's made five senior appearances under Hansi Flick this season after fighting his way into the first team, marked his Champions League debut against Olympiacos with an assist — becoming the second-youngest player ever to get one in the competition.
The talent has already drawn comparisons with Andrés Iniesta and Thiago, but Fernandez has now set his sights on leaving the Camp Nou this winter.
“I see him play for Barça and it is true that they have added details to his game and that physically he has grown a lot but the essence of his football remains the same, he plays with the same self-confidence as when he was a child,” Fernandez's former coach, Javi Roxo, told Sport.
“Dro is a talent of Thiago’s level, I have not seen anyone as technical as Thiago but Dro’s vision of the game is even superior. Dro was always very special, he has a gift for touching the ball and has always been very creative.”
Roxo and fellow former coach, Luis Perez, lavished him with further praise.
“Although some people compare him to Pedri, Dro reminds me of Iniesta because of his vision and great talent,” they add.
“Valerón was very good but perhaps a little slow and Dro is more agile although his vision of the game can be similar.
“Dro is capable of everything and if Flick puts him on the wing he can also do well, it won’t be Raphinha but he can look like the Iniesta who played on the left. If he relieves himself of pressure and plays freely, he is capable of anything, his talent is infinite.”
For just £5 million, he could be one of the bargains of the window.
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior Related
[Fabrizio Romano shares new Chelsea transfer plan after "internal" January talks](https://www.footballfancast.com/fabrizio-romano-new-chelsea-transfer-plan-internal-january-talks/ "Fabrizio Romano shares new Chelsea transfer plan after "internal" January talks")
The Blues are looking to make a winter signing.