Chelsea are now preparing a late move for a "physical" Jeremy Jacquet alternative, and talks have been held.
Blues keen on signing new centre-back before transfer deadline
The Blues have set out to bring in a new centre-back before the February 2nd transfer deadline, and Jacquet has emerged as one of their main targets, but a deal may not be possible until the summer transfer window.
With Aaron Anselmino being recalled from his loan at Borussia Dortmund, the Blues now have plenty of options at centre-back, so they may not need to bring in another option before the January transfer window slams shut.
However, with Liam Rosenior's booking their place in the Champions League's round of 16, it would perhaps make sense to sign a more experienced defender this month, given that both Josh Acheampong and Anselmino are still very young.
According to a report from Spain, Chelsea are now preparing a late move to sign Real Betis defender Natan this month, with a €40m (£35m) bid in the works, and they have already held 'preliminary' talks with the Spanish club over a deal.
During those negotiations, Betis made it clear they would only let the defender leave for a suitable fee, and their most recent asking price was €45m (£39m), so the two clubs could be a little way apart in their valuations.
natan-real-betis
There could also be fierce competition for the Betis star's signature, with Arsenal, Real Madrid and Newcastle United being named as potential suitors.
"Physical" Natan could be solid Jacquet alternative
Described as a "physical" centre-back by scout Ben Mattinson, the Brazilian is more experienced than Jacquet, given that he is 24-years-old, and he has been a key player for Betis in La Liga this season, missing only one game.
The former Napoli man has averaged 7.4 clearances per match in La Liga, more than any other player in the Betis squad, while an average of 1.2 interceptions places him in third place, showcasing his defensive attributes.
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BlueCo mean business.
That said, with Anselmino being recalled from Dortmund, there arguably isn't a pressing need to bring in another centre-back before the upcoming deadline, and it may be a better idea to pursue Jacquet at the end of the season.
The Rennes star is much younger than Natan at just 20-years-old, but he is already an important player for the French side, and the youngster has received rave reviews from journalist Bence Bocsak, who said: "He’s fast, has great athleticism with long legs that enables him in all forms of defending. Whether it’s making key interceptions, decisive blocks or last-ditch sliding tackles."