At the start of the January window, it felt unlikely Chelsea would be bringing in any new signings. Now, the picture looks completely different as Liam Rosenior eyes more than just one addition.
Rennes wonderkid Jeremy Jacquet looks to be the most-obvious signing if Chelsea decide to stump up the necessary cash for the France U21 star. Julien Laurens says he will cost more than Jeremy Doku.
Chelsea have needed a centre-back for a while and Tosin’s hamstring injury looks set to accelerate plans to bring Jacquet to West London, having been originally earmarked as a possible summer addition.
Where does Douglas Luiz fit in at Chelsea?🤔
It would be a temporary deal…
Douglas Luiz's display for Nottingham Forest
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Whether Chelsea do a deal remains to be seen, with Rennes boss Habib Beye desperate to keep Jacquet in France. Chelsea also want a midfielder and on-loan Nottingham Forest ace Douglas Luiz is an option.
Douglas Luiz gives clear response to Chelsea as talks begin
It emerged earlier this week that Chelsea are considering Luiz, who has been struggling for game time at Nottingham Forest. Luiz did start in the week under Sean Dyche, as Forest were beaten by Braga.
Fulham v Nottingham Forest - Premier League
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Luiz had been reported as being keen on a move to Chelsea, but Italian site Tuttosport now say that Luiz has given a ‘yes’ to Chelsea. Indeed, they report that Luiz has agreed to join Chelsea with ‘conviction’.
Now, the rest ultimately lies with his agent, the widely-renowned Kia Joorabchian, to facilitate a move that would see Luiz’s loan at Nottingham Forest scrapped, before he can then move to London with Chelsea.
Chelsea have entered talks with Joorabchian to get a deal done and early talks have been positive. Juventus are willing to scrap his loan at Forest as they think the permanent clause being struck is unlikely.
The other clubs interested in signing Douglas Luiz this month
Chelsea, however, are not the only club pursuing Luiz. The report from Tuttosport indicates that Chelsea, due to their financial clout and size, are leading candidates. Especially, with Luiz so interested in a move.
Do Chelsea need a central midfielder this month?🤔
Liam Rosenior issues Douglas Luiz update
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But, other clubs are keen too. Philippe Coutinho’s Vasco are also keen on a romantic return for Luiz, for where it all started. But a move is deemed unlikely given the size of the European clubs interested.
It is reported that Unai Emery would ‘immediately’ green light a move back to Aston Villa for the £138k-a-week midfielder, while Ajax have made an enquiry. But as things stand, Luiz wants Chelsea more.
But as things stand, Luiz remains a Nottingham Forest player until the end of the season and it will be interesting to see what involvement he has when Forest go to Brentford on Sunday afternoon.
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