Rosenior wants a centre-backplaceholder image
Rosenior wants a centre-back | Getty Images
Chelsea are not giving up as they look to land a new defender during this transfer window.
Chelsea are not giving up on their prime January transfer target just yet. The Blues are hoping to add a player or two to Liam Rosenior’s squad before the window shuts in under a week, with a centre-back and a midfielder on the wishlist.
The West London club seem to be happy to spend significant money on a new defender, while they will want a midfielder on the cheap or on loan, and that seems to be a need of less urgency.
As far as a centre-back goes, it has been no secret who the main target is, with Rennes star Jeremy Jacquet the main target. The 20-year-old Frenchman is thought to be one of the best young centre-backs in the game, and there is plenty of competition for his signature.
Meanwhile, Rennes are desperate to keep the centre-back until the summer, and that is perhaps why Chelsea recalled Aaron Anselmino from his loan spell from Borussia Dortmund. But according to Fabrizio Romano, the Blues are still pushing to sign Jacquet despite the French club’s firm stance.
“I also want to talk about the situation of Jeremy Jacquet, because Chelsea remain absolutely in the conversation for this talented French defender from Rennes,” Romano said on his YouTube channel. “All these clubs are talking to the player’s camp and to Rennes to see what is possible.
“Chelsea made progress two weeks ago on (the) player’s side, in terms of number, Chelsea are already in advanced conversations, but not yet with Rennes. Remember, Rennes want to keep the player in this window and let him go in the summer, but let’s see what happens in this case because Liverpool are trying, Chelsea are trying and Bayern are trying only for the summer.
“For Bayern, Jacquet is an opportunity, as was Marc Guehi, because they wanted to replace Kim min-Jae, who could probably leave in the summer. For Bayern, it is only for the summer. Chelsea and Liverpool want him now but Rennes don’t want to let him leave this window. Chelsea, Liverpool and Bayern are all in talks with the player’s camp, so let’s see what happens there, but it is for sure a big battle for one of the most talented defenders around Europe.”
Lavia could be like a new signing
While Chelsea continue their efforts to sign Jacquet, the return of Romero Lavia from injury in the coming weeks could change their mind over the need for a new midfielder.
“In terms of Romeo, obviously in his recent history it's not been what he's wanted in terms of minutes on the pitch,” said Rosenior on Tuesday. “In terms of his health, what I want for every player, not just Romeo, who has the potential and the ability to be a world-class midfielder, is that when he's back he stays fit.
“We're taking it really carefully with him. He has to clear a few more hurdles to fully train, but it's great to see him back with the players today. I know his qualities and I know what he can bring. If we can keep him fit, I'm very excited to work with him.”
Continue Reading