The January 2026 transfer window is heating up, with Chelsea poised to make a significant move to address a defensive crisis. The Blues are reportedly targeting Stade Rennais defender Jérémy Jacquet and could submit a bid in the region of £44 million for the 20-year-old French centre-back.
Chelsea's Defensive Dilemma
With first-choice defenders Levi Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo currently sidelined through injury, manager Liam Rosenior is eager to bolster his backline. The pursuit of Jacquet, a highly-rated young talent in Ligue 1, is seen as a direct response to this shortage. The proposed fee reflects both his potential and Chelsea's urgent need.
In a parallel development that could reshape Chelsea's midfield, the club might be open to selling skipper Enzo Fernández. The Argentine international has emerged as a target for Spanish giants Real Madrid, potentially freeing up funds and space in the squad for further reinforcements.
Premier League Rivals Scout Serie A
Elsewhere, Liverpool are re-evaluating their defensive recruitment strategy after seeing primary target Marc Guéhi move to Manchester City. Their revised list now features Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni. The 26-year-old Italian defender is a key figure for the Nerazzurri, but Liverpool's interest is serious.
Bastoni's teammate, Stefan de Vrij, could also be on the move to England. The 33-year-old Dutch defender is available and is reportedly considering a switch to Newcastle United. A move to St James' Park would offer De Vrij his first taste of Premier League football and a chance to aid the Magpies' push for Champions League qualification.
Midfield Moves and Striker Searches
The future of James Ward-Prowse appears increasingly away from West Ham United. After being marginalised by manager Nuno Espírito Santo during a loan spell at Nottingham Forest and subsequently with the Hammers, the midfielder seeks an exit. Burnley, reeling from the season-ending injury to captain Josh Cullen, are viewed as a potential suitor, with manager Scott Parker keen to add the player's experience.
Nottingham Forest, under Sean Dyche, are actively seeking a new striker. Their current focus is on Napoli's Lorenzo Lucca, with talks underway for a loan deal that would include a €35 million option to buy in the summer.
Another striker who could be on the move in Italy is Brighton's Evan Ferguson, currently on loan at Roma. Napoli have shown interest, but a deal is contingent on them offloading winger Noa Lang, who is likely headed to Galatasaray.
Other Potential Deals Across Europe
Several other deals are in the pipeline across Europe's top leagues:
- Arsenal's Oleksandr Zinchenko is set to cut short his unsuccessful loan at Nottingham Forest and join Ajax for the rest of the season.
- Everton full-back Nathan Patterson could be offered an escape from his bench role with a move to Spanish side Sevilla.
- Leeds United are in talks to sign Austrian midfielder Romano Schmid from Werder Bremen for a fee of around €15 million.
With the January window open, clubs across the Premier League and Europe are working swiftly to reshape their squads for the second half of the 2025-26 campaign.
