When he accepted the job, Liam Rosenior would have instantly known that Chelsea’s weakness is centre-back. The lack of quality and leadership in the middle of defence is clear.
Rosenior has chopped and changed his centre-back partnerships so far. Charlton saw Tosin partner Benoit Badiashile. Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana have started the last two, but Fofana has been subbed.
The debate is still out regarding which centre-back is Chelsea’s best but there is no doubting that Chelsea need better in the middle of the defence, regardless what the combination is of the four current options.
As things stand, Chelsea look set to bring Jeremy Jacquet to the club from Rennes. Reports say Chelsea have an agreement with Jacquet, but remain in talks over a fee with Rennes requesting a huge £60m.
How much would you be willing to pay for Jeremy Jacquet?💰
Rennes name Jeremy Jacquet price tag
Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
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Liam Rosenior kept an eye on Jeremy Jacquet while in France
It is remarkable that a player can cost a whopping £60m when they have only played 29 Rennes games. That is the case with Jacquet, though he has been a key player for Rennes in their pursuit of Europe.
Jérémy Jacquet of France arrives before the UEFA European U19 Championship finals match between Spain and France
Photo By Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile via Getty Images
Having broken into the senior side and played 12 times last term, he has clocked up a further 17 this time around, and it caught the eye of Rosenior, who was Strasbourg manager for 28 of his 29 Rennes games.
According to French outlet Ouest France, Chelsea have long considered Jacquet and regarded him highly. They claim that is the same with Rosenior, who has always admired the France U21 star from a distance.
What Jeremy Jacquet thinks about a move to Chelsea…
It probably doesn’t come as a surprise to read that Jacquet is in favour of a move to Chelsea, whether that is now or in the summer. The summer probably suits Rennes and Jacquet more so, but Chelsea need him.
Should Chelsea recall Aaron Anselmino or sign Jeremy Jacquet?
Which option are you going for and why? 🧐
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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It is claimed that Chelsea have given Jacquet assurances that he will start matches under Rosenior, with the new gaffer consistently underlining the importance of depth, with Chelsea fighting on four fronts.
But there is an element of doubt that Jacquet is not the kind of signing Chelsea need. Many believe that given Rosenior already boasts a young group of defenders, an elder head would be a better signing.
Ray Parlour has suggested Chelsea go back in for Antonio Rudiger, for example, while Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi is said to be on the radar. Perhaps that allows Chelsea to add an instant hit, over a project.
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