Liam Rosenior's Chelsea are desperate to sign a central defender during the January transfer window. In addition to Jeremy Jacquet, the Blues are also considering another Ligue 1 centre-back, among other names.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano on X, Chelsea are pushing to sign Jeremy Jacquet. According to Santi Aouna (Foot Mercato), the English club have already reached a contractual agreement with the 20-year-old Frenchman. However, no deal has been struck with Stade Rennais, who are holding out for at least £51m (€60m).
Chelsea may not be willing to spend such a sum on the Breton club's defender, who is valued at a much lower price of £17m (€20m) by Transfermarkt.
Chelsea tracking £12.7m-rated defender
As reported in a lengthy article by TalkSport, the sixth-placed Premier League side, now coached by Liam Rosenior, have been hoping to recruit a centre-back since the summer of 2025. To that end, numerous players are on Chelsea's shortlist, including Charlie Cresswell. The 23-year-old Englishman, who left his homeland in 2024, has been shining at Toulouse, particularly this season with 18 appearances, 3 goals and 2 assists.
Tentatively linked with Olympique de Marseille, the defender has primarily been targeted by West Ham for several months, as well as Wolfsburg. The German side have even submitted an offer of £15.5m (€18m) to Toulouse. The player, under contract until June 2028, is valued at £12.5m (€15m) by Transfermarkt. Given the fees being discussed, the Blues appear to have a head start should they make a concrete move.
More names for Chelsea beyond Jacquet and Cresswell
In addition to Jeremy Jacquet and Charlie Cresswell, Chelsea are considering other options. While a return for Antonio Rudiger has been tentatively mentioned and denied by “internal sources” at the Blues, an offer could be sent to Bournemouth for Marcos Senesi (29). It is worth noting that Barcelona are also interested, particularly as the Argentine's contract expires in June 2026, and Chelsea may opt for a younger option.
Previously monitored, Dean Huijsen, now at Real Madrid, and Virgil van Dijk, still at Liverpool, are old ideas that will not resurface. Jeremy Jacquet appears to be in pole position, with Charlie Cresswell some way behind.
This article was originally published on Top Mercato.
