Chelsea are now considering a bid to sign one player from Nottingham Forest, according to a breaking report from David Ornstein.
Chelsea expected to make January signings
A lot of the noise at Chelsea has centered around their talks for a new centre-back.
Stade Rennes' Jeremy Jacquet in action with AS Monaco's George Ilenikhena
Top of their list is Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet, with negotiations believed to be ongoing over a deal for the Frenchman.
The Blues dispatched representatives to France recently for discussions that proved positive regarding personal arrangements, yet club-to-club agreement remains elusive (Fabrizio Romano).
Fabrizio Romano confirmed Chelsea view the 20-year-old as a primary defensive target, though financial obstacles are complicating proceedings.
Rennes demand £61m while Chelsea propose £48 million including add-ons (The Mail), leaving a significant gap in valuation.
The French side are reportedly seeking their largest-ever transfer fee, surpassing the £56m Man City paid for Jeremy Doku.
It is also reported that Chelsea are open to the prospect of loaning him back to Rennes for the remainder of 2025/2026, so it is clear how highly they rate the 20-year-old.
Jacquet has already agreed personal terms and approved the London move (Fabrizio Romano), positioning Chelsea favourably should they agree financial terms.
However, according to Ornstein, he is not their only January target.
Chelsea weighing loan bid for Douglas Luiz
Indeed, Chelsea are evaluating a potential loan move for Forest loanee Douglas Luiz to bolster their midfield options through to the remainder of the season.
douglas-luiz-forest
The Brazil international is currently at Forest on a temporary deal from Juventus, though Stamford Bridge decision-makers believe the 27-year-old could be an immediate fit to their system.
According to Ornstein's exclusive reporting, Chelsea view Luiz as an ideal target for their midfield to offer depth that the squad currently lacks.
The experienced midfielder would deliver 'quality', international pedigree and experience until the summer, when more comprehensive work can begin on reinforcing their midfield.
Luiz's complicated current situation is a potential opportunity for Chelsea.
The midfielder joined Forest in August on loan from Juve, reportedly with performance-based conditions determining whether the move becomes permanent, specifically tied to appearances.
His time at the City Ground has been disrupted by injuries, limiting his opportunities to meet those requirements and potentially leaving his long-term future uncertain.
It appears the Blues now sense an opportunity to swoop in and sign the former Man City and Aston Villa man, though it remains to be seen how they will navigate talks with both Juve and Forest.
Stade Rennes' Jeremy Jacquet and Adrien Truffert Related
[Chelsea willing to make offer for "very exciting" defender alongside Jacquet](https://www.footballfancast.com/chelsea-willing-to-make-transfer-offer-yisa-alao-jeremy-jacquet/ "Chelsea willing to make offer for "very exciting" defender alongside Jacquet")
The Blues are keen on strengthening their backline this month.