Chelsea’s priority in the January window is clear. The club need to sign a centre-back, and Liam Rosenior’s men are expected to bring in one of three names as things stand.
Having watched Benoit Badiashile struggle at Charlton, his defence conceding three to Arsenal, Trevoh Chalobah caught out of position again and again, there will be no doubt that Rosenior wants a defender.
Chelsea were lucky on Saturday afternoon. Craig Burley was stunned that Chelsea got themselves a win with Chalobah regularly allowing Kevin Schade in, but having Robert Sanchez to thank behind him in net.
IMAGINE: You have the final say on Chelsea’s three-man centre-back shortlist. Who will you pick?
The three centre-back targets under consideration at Chelsea:
Jeremy Jacquet
Jacobo Ramon
Marcos Senesi
Đorđe Petrović and Marcos Senesi of Bournemouth
Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images
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The Blues want a centre-back and have accelerated summer plans. Reports say that Chelsea have a three-man list of options in Jeremy Jacquet, Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi, and Como talent Jacobo Ramon.
Preferred destination identified for key Chelsea target
Senesi finds himself out of contract at Bournemouth in the summer and while a proven option in the Premier League, the former Feyenoord ace turns 29 in May and that goes against BlueCo’s policy.
Then, there is Rennes ace Jacquet. Reports say Chelsea have an agreement with Jacquet himself, but that they may struggle to meet the Ligue 1 side’s asking price of £60m. Jacquet seems to be first choice.
Como defender Jacobo Ramon.
Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images
But then there is Spain U21 ace Ramon, who has sparkled since his move from Real Madrid to Como for just £2m. Under Cesc Fabregas, Ramon has been immense this term, and Chelsea are interested in him.
But according to a report from TeamTalk, Ramon prefers a return to Real Madrid either this month or in the summer. With Antonio Rudiger out of contract, Madrid may opt to return to Ramon at some point.
The report claims Madrid are closely keeping tabs on Ramon, as are Premier League quartet Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal and Newcastle. Previous reports in Italian media state Ramon is now worth £16m.
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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The Real Madrid clause that is likely to get deal done
The issue Chelsea, or any other competing sides have in the race to get Ramon, is that Madrid included a buyback clause in Ramon’s bargain move to Como. It is believed Madrid can sign him for around £7m.
A tiny figure given the potential and quality Ramon is showing in one of Serie A’s most-impressive sides this season, under Fabregas. The former Chelsea star labelled Ramon as devastating earlier this season.
It all hinges on Madrid’s move for Ramon and actually, whether Madrid can convince ex-Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger to stay put. If Rudiger goes, they will need a defender and Ramon certainly makes sense.
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