Chelsea are actively pursuing a new central defender in the January transfer window as they aim to provide immediate support for new manager Liam Rosenior. This push comes after a reported disagreement with former boss Enzo Maresca, whose summer request for a defensive reinforcement was denied by the club's hierarchy.
Defensive Need Drives Chelsea's January Plans
The Blues find themselves in a precarious position, having slipped four points behind fourth-placed Liverpool in the race for Champions League qualification. While the squad possesses several centre-back options, the absence of the injured Levi Colwill for much, if not all, of the season has exposed a lack of top-tier quality in the position. Strengthening the defence is now viewed as critical for Rosenior to make a successful start at Stamford Bridge.
According to renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, the club has been in active talks since the start of the week to secure an important immediate addition. Romano reported that Chelsea have a three-man shortlist for the role, with a decision expected soon.
Who is Chelsea Target Jeremy Jacquet?
The most prominent name on that list is Jeremy Jacquet, a 20-year-old French centre-back currently playing for Stade Rennais in Ligue 1. Romano confirmed that Jacquet has been on Chelsea's radar since July and remains a key target. The young defender is a France under-21 international and is considered one of the country's most promising defensive talents.
Despite his youth, Jacquet has become a regular for Rennes this season, making 16 league appearances and helping his club challenge for European spots. He returned to Rennes last year following a loan spell with Clermont Foot and has seized his opportunity in the first team.
In an interview, Jacquet revealed an unconventional start to his career, stating his pride in a path that required confidence and sacrifice. He also discussed working on the aspects of his game demanded by his coach: "The coach asks me to communicate more, to lead, to add a bit more aggression. I'm working on finding the right balance."
When asked about his idols, the defender cited two Premier League stars: "As a defender, Van Dijk and Konaté." This admiration for Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté highlights the calibre of player he aspires to emulate.
Addressing a Summer Mistake
This January move is seen as an attempt to rectify a previous misstep. The disagreement that contributed to Enzo Maresca's departure stemmed from the club's refusal to sign a centre-back he wanted last summer. Now, under Liam Rosenior, Chelsea's board appears ready to invest in the defensive line to stabilise their season and mount a serious top-four challenge.
The pursuit of Jeremy Jacquet signals a shift towards investing in high-potential youth, a strategy familiar at Chelsea. Securing his signature would not only address an immediate need but also secure a defender inspired by some of the league's best, potentially shaping their backline for years to come.
