Rosenior is set to be handed a new signing or twoplaceholder image
Rosenior is set to be handed a new signing or two | Getty Images
Chelsea are said to be zeroing in on a defensive target after pulling out of one race.
Enzo Maresca said as much in the summer, but Chelsea’s decision-makers did not agree, and by the time they came to the realisation that the Italian was right, the relationship had already soured.
That’s all in the past now, and Chelsea’s full concentration will be on succeeding under Liam Rosenior, who will be expected to guide this team into the top four. Chelsea are currently two points behind Liverpool in fourth place and with every chance of pulling that off.
But to do it, Rosenior may feel as though he needs a player or two this month, and the club agree, with a centre-back signing likely and a midfielder signing possible if the Blues can land a loan deal or a cheap deal. Reports suggest Juventus star Douglas Luiz could join on a loan deal, with talks ongoing.
As for the defensive signing, it seems Chelsea have now decided on their prime target. There were reports that Chelsea were interested in a deal to sign Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate, who is out of contract at the end of this season.
The Reds would likely be unwilling to sell to a direct top four rival at this stage, so it would likely have been a January free deal, but Football Insider now say the Blues have stepped away from that particular race.
Jacquet comes into focus
Chelsea’s reduced interest in Konate points clearly towards the Blues concentrating their efforts on signing Rennes star Jeremy Jacquet, who has been an clear favourite this month. The centre-back has also been linked with Liverpool, but the Blues look to be the favourites to pull off a deal.
Fabrizio Romano provided an update recently. “I’ve been telling you many stories on Chelsea talents, Jeremy Jacquet, who is one of the main options on Chelsea list to become their new centre-back in this January transfer window,” he told his YouTube channel.
“Chelsea decided to go in because Chelsea a few days ago did a mission in France to meet with Rennes and start the conversations – very positive conversations – on player side, but still no agreement club to club. At the moment Rennes are still asking for very big money and so at this stage there is no agreement done or close club to club. The conversation is ongoing but it’s complicated at this stage.”
Rennes are said to be asking for £56.3million to sell this month, while the latest offer is only said to be worth around £43.6million. That puts the two clubs a fair way apart in negotiations with the clock ticking.
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