da brwin: Chelsea and Man City have been named as January contenders to sign a unique attacking talent from Barcelona this month, with the Catalan expected to leave this month.
da casino: The Blues have reversed their winter transfer stance by actively pursuing a new centre-back this month, representing a significant policy shift under new head coach Liam Rosenior.
The Telegraph’s Matt Law reports that Chelsea are ready to make a move for a new defender to support Rosenior’s start at Stamford Bridge, abandoning their initial plan to wait until summer before strengthening at the back.
Chelsea had previously failed to back Enzo Maresca’s public pleas for defensive reinforcements last summer following Levi Colwill’s ACL injury, but now the landscape has shifted.
According to multiple reports, Chelsea are keeping tabs on Jeremy Jacquet and Jacobo Ramon, as their primary targets, with journalist Ben Jacobs confirming both names are under consideration.
Rennes defender Jérémy Jacquet has emerged as a leading candidate. The 20-year-old France Under-21 international is widely admired for his composure, aerial dominance, and ball-playing ability, with Rennes fast-tracking his development over the past year.
However, Chelsea face stiff competition, with L’Equipe reporting that Bayern Munich are interested, and are amongst the most interested parties, in securing the young defender.
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That being said, Chelsea have already spoke with Jacquet’s agents multiple times since Christmas.
Como’s Jacobo Ramón represents another intriguing option. The Daily Mail reports that the Blues have earmarked Como defender Jacobo Ramon as a potential option for the January window, with the 21-year-old Spaniard impressing this season.
He’s started 16 of Como’s last 17 Serie A matches, scoring twice since joining from Real Madrid last summer.
Any deal for Ramón would prove complicated, as Real Madrid hold an £7 million buy-back option and also own 50 per cent of his sell-on rights, potentially muddying negotiations.
Chelsea have also reportedly held conversations regarding Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi, though the 28-year-old is considered less aligned with the club’s preference for younger talent given their existing transfer policy.
Football London journalist Bobby Vincent provided an update confirming that both Jacquet and Ramon have been discussed internally, but Chelsea will only move if they feel the right player is available.
Speaking of the right players being available, it would appear Chelsea sense a major opportunity to snatch Barcelona sensation Dro Fernandez.
Chelsea battle Man City for Barcelona sensation Dro Fernandez
According to reliable GiveMeSport reporter Ben Jacobs, Fernandez is likely to leave Barça this month, with Chelsea and City now contending for the highly-rated attacker’s signature.
The teenage La Masia graduate is one of sky-high potential.
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Fernandez, who’s made five senior appearances under Hansi Flick this season after fighting his way into the first team, marked his Champions League debut against Olympiacos with an assist — becoming the second-youngest player ever to get one in the competition.
The talent has already drawn comparisons with Andrés Iniesta and Thiago, but Fernandez has now set his sights on leaving the Camp Nou this winter.
Roxo and fellow former coach, Luis Perez, lavished him with further praise.
For just £5 million, he could be one of the bargains of the window.
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