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Chelsea will be well aware of Arsenal's previous interest in Jeremy Jacquet, who's recently emerged as a target for the Club World Cup winners
Jeremy Jacquet has recently emerged as a target for Chelsea, so Liam Rosenior will be looking over his shoulder in fear that Arsenal reignite their interest in the Stade Rennais star. The 20-year-old defender has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this month as the Blues look to bolster their backline.
football.london understands that Chelsea are interested in signing Jacquet, whose contract at Roazhon Park expires in June 2029. The west Londoners haven't been afraid to welcome new faces to Stamford Bridge during the January transfer window in recent years, and they're cautiously optimistic of signing a centre-back this month.
In the absence of Levi Colwill, who has been recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana have formed a strong partnership at the back. But, in an effort to keep the latter fit, having previously had numerous lengthy spells on the sidelines, they haven't always featured alongside one another this term.
Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashille have often been drafted in to fill the gap. Josh Acheampong, who now looks set for a greater role under Rosenior, was overly-protected by Enzo Maresca.
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The gulf in quality from one partnership to the next has proven costly at times, and Chelsea now appear to be weighing up their options in the transfer window. Worryingly for the Blues, Arsenal appear to be back in the market for defender, again, too.
According to The Sun, the Gunners are keeping tabs on Victor Valdepenas at Real Madrid. The report claims that Arsenal have scouted the 19-year-old, who made his senior debut at left-back for Los Blancos last month.
It's said that Jacquet is another player that the north Londoners have previously watched. Fortunately for Chelsea, The Sun reckons that Arsenal have not followed up on their interest in the summer.
Since replacing Unai Emery in the dugout at the Emirates Stadium in December 2019, Mikel Arteta has forked out over £250m on defensive reinforcements. From Pablo Mari, who was the Spaniard's first signing as a manager, to his latest acquisition, Piero Hincapie, the Gunners haven't been afraid to bolster their backline.
Arsenal have reaped the rewards of their hard work in previous transfer windows, currently boasting the best defensive records in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. When asked how the Gunners have achieved such a feat, Arteta pointed to his side's organisation and desire.
Earlier this month, the Spaniard said: "With the right level of organisation, but especially with the desire to play, shown every day, and the commitment that they show to do all the duties that are necessary for us to be a team that is very difficult to play against and to score against."
While Arsenal don't appear to have put up a fight in the battle for Jacquet's signature, Chelsea will be well aware of their rival's previous interest...
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