It was expected to be a quiet month at Chelsea, but that now seems unlikely.
Chelsea are thought to be interested in signing a new central defender during the January transfer window, with Jeremy Jacquet being linked with a move to the club.
If they want to sign him, though, Chelsea could be forced to pay £57m for Jacquet’s signature.
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Enzo Maresca rejected the chance to sign Marc Guehi at Chelsea
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It is big money for another young and inexperienced player, which the club do not need right now. But if they are going to go down that path, there is another 20-year-old who really should be in their thinking.
Borussia Dortmund defender Aaron Anselmino celebrating
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Chelsea should recall Aaron Anselmino instead of signing Jeremy Jacquet
Aaron Anselmino is the same age as Jacquet and would not cost Chelsea a single penny, as the Argentine is currently owned by the club.
This season, Anselmino has also gained valuable experience playing at a top European outfit, Borussia Dortmund, and in the Champions League.
When you consider that, recalling Anselmino from his loan at Dortmund makes more sense than spending almost £60m on Jacquet if Chelsea have their heart set on bringing in yet another young player.
The main concern with Anselmino right now is injuries. The former Boca Juniors star has picked up a couple this season but has impressed when he has managed to play for Dortmund.
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Split image of Borussia Dortmund's Aaron Anselmino and Rennes' Jeremy Jacquet
Photo by Alexandre Simoes/Borussia Dortmund via Getty Images/Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile
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Anselmino was terrific in Dortmund’s 2-1 win against Bayer Leverkusen back in November. The Argentina youth international scored a goal that day, but most importantly, defended well.
According to Sofascore, Anselmino made six defensive contributions in total and won three out of four aerial duels.
After the game, Dortmund manager Niko Kovac praised Anselmino for getting the basics right as a defender, something that not all modern-day centre-halves do.
Jeremy Jacquet of France controls the ball
Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images
Mamadou Sarr another option for Chelsea
Instead of spending £57m on another unproven talent like Jacquet, Chelsea also have the option of recalling Mamadou Sarr from his loan at Strasbourg.
Is there much difference between Sarr and Jacquet? In terms of age and experience, no. They are both 20 and have spent their careers in France.
Simply put, Chelsea already have young centre-halves with potential. They should be looking at more experienced names in the market.
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