Chelsea transfer truth as 'optimism' over central defender deal revealed as January plan emerges

Chelsea have a new manager in Liam Rosenior and have kept their transfer approach from the summer consistent but have renewed optimism over deals being possible this month

There is cautious optimism that Chelsea could sign a central defender before the summer, football.london understands. After failing to land a player in that position in August, conversations have intensified over securing a deal for one of the club's targets and getting it over the line this month rather than at the end of the season.

The Blues were in the market to reinforce their backline last year but missed out on Dean Huijsen when chose to move from Bournemouth to Real Madrid. Despite assessing the market for alternative options, it was decided that no player of sufficient quality was available to trigger a transfer.

The club preferred to wait rather than sign a player who is not up to their standards, despite Enzo Maresca declaring publicly that he wanted a new central defender in August.

That acknowledgement came after the west London side lost Levi Colwill to an ACL injury.

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Colwill remains out of action and is understood to be recovering well and is a key part of Chelsea's long-term plan. Any addition will be made with the 22-year-old in mind.

Rennes' Jeremy Jacquet, 20, and Como's Spanish defender Jacobo Ramon, 21, are appreciated by Chelsea and have been monitored this season.

The decision to accelerate the club's ambitions is not reserved simply for defence, however. The Blues are open to advancing moves for attackers and midfielders should the correct opportunities arise in the coming weeks.

Chelsea saw Facundo Buonanotte's move cut short this month as the Argentine ace moved to Leeds from parent club Brighton. Buonanotte's arrival at Stamford Bridge surprised many, and the ex-Leicester loanee struggled for playing time.

The Blues were happy to do a loan deal for the talent as they did not believe a creative attacker that could challenge the starting lineup remained available in that transfer window, it is understood.

While there are ambitions to make a move in January, new boss Liam Rosenior is also content with assessing the players he has at his disposal.

Speaking ahead of this weekend's clash with Brentford, he stressed paitence when asked if he wanted to add players.

"I think if we do, it needs to be the right player," he said. "We need to be patient. I want to assess this group.

"It's really, really important to me. I like to give the players I work with a chance to show good surprises.

"We still have time. We have conversations every day, myself and the board, about potential transfers, both out and in, but at the same time, I need to focus on the players in the building. If I feel it's the right time or the right player, then we'll make that decision."