1 week ago
12
The latest on Chelsea's January transfer plans with the window closing next week and the Blues are still yet to sign a single first-team player
The January transfer window is in its final stages and Chelsea are yet to sign a single player. The mid-season window was never going to be extremely busy from the Blues' perspective, with some of the club's attention already towards the summer.
Chelsea have recalled Aaron Anselmino from his loan spell at Borussia Dortmund but remain in the market for a new centre-back this month, football.london understands. Jeremy Jacquet is top of the Blues' list, with direct club-to-club talks with Rennes happening over the last week or so.
Rennes, however, are determined to keep hold of the 20-year-old defender for the remainder of the season at least. Jacquet is said to be keen on a move to Stamford Bridge, though his employers seem unlikely to sanction a sale midway through the campaign. There are other options for Chelsea - and they are all being considered.
FOLLOW OUR CHELSEA FB PAGE! Latest Blues news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
The Blues have held talks over a pre-agreement with Rennes that would see Jacquet, who is also a target for Liverpool and Bayern Munich, join in the summer instead. Chelsea have possible alternatives to Jacquet in the form of Jacobo Ramon from Como and Bournemouth centre-back Marcos Senesi.
Chelsea won't sign a central defender for the sake of it. Blues chiefs want to bring in a starting-level centre-back - just like they wanted to do last summer but were not convinced by the options out there. Even before Levi Colwill's ACL injury, Chelsea were keen on bringing a defender to Stamford Bridge and notably missed out on Dean Huijsen, who opted for a move to Real Madrid.
The Blues are also in the market for a new central midfielder. Dario Essugo's recent injury setback - that is set to keep him on the sidelines for at least a month - has forced Chelsea's hand somewhat. Liam Rosenior only has Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Andrey Santos as natural central midfielders available to him at the time of writing.
No timeframe has been put on Romeo Lavia's return from the injury he suffered back in early-November. Rosenior is keen to treat Lavia with extreme caution given his torrid fortunes with injuries since moving to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have numerous options they are considering, including Douglas Luiz. The Brazilian is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest from Juventus and the Blues have considered hijacking the deal. Though the west Londoners want a straight loan with no obligation to buy the midfielder.
There could also be a few players leaving Stamford Bridge before next Monday's transfer deadline. Tyrique George is among them with the 19-year-old winger keen on departing the club as he looks for regular football. George has featured just 11 times in all competitions this season and has admirers from the Premier League and overseas.
Axel Disasi and Raheem Sterling are both free to leave Chelsea should the right offers come the club's way in the final stages of the window. Despite interest in both out-of-favour players, nothing is advanced at the time of writing.
Meanwhile, academy star Ato Ampah could leave before next week's deadline. The 19-year-old, who has featured once for Chelsea's senior side, has plenty of interest from the Championship and also admirers from Italy. Some are interested in bringing Ampah in on loan while others are keen on signing the teenager on a permanent basis.
English (US) ·