Chelsea are preparing to strongly support new head coach Liam Rosenior in the January transfer window, with plans in place to bring in as many as three new signings. The club’s hierarchy is keen to reinforce several areas of the squad as part of an early show of confidence in their new manager, who took over at Stamford Bridge earlier this month following Enzo Maresca’s departure on New Year’s Day.
The Blues believe reinforcements are essential if Rosenior is to implement his vision quickly and steady a side that has struggled for consistency this season.
Chelsea targets three key positions
According to The Telegraph, Chelsea are actively exploring options to strengthen in up to three areas during the winter transfer period. A central defender has emerged as the top priority, with the club already having identified the need for reinforcements in that position under former boss Maresca.
Chelsea had previously attempted to sign Dean Huijsen last summer but lost out to Real Madrid, and defensive concerns have only increased since then. Levi Colwill remains sidelined after sustaining a serious injury during pre-season, while Wesley Fofana continues to struggle with fitness issues following a series of long-term setbacks, including an ACL injury and a broken leg earlier in his career.
In addition to defensive reinforcements, Chelsea is also keeping a close eye on potential additions in midfield and attack. While those areas were initially earmarked for the summer window, co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital are prepared to act now should suitable opportunities arise in January.
Rennes defender Jacquet emerges as top target
One of the standout names on Chelsea’s shortlist is Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet. Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that discussions between the two clubs have taken place within the last 24 hours, highlighting Chelsea’s growing interest in the highly-rated defender.
However, the move may not be straightforward. French outlet Le Parisien, via journalist Benjamin Quarez, claims Rennes are reluctant to sell Jacquet midway through the season. Habib Beye’s side currently sit sixth in Ligue 1 and are pushing for European qualification, making the loss of a key defensive asset undesirable.
Despite that stance, another French journalist, Fabrice Hawkins, reports Chelsea are prepared to submit a €50 million (£43.3m/$58m) offer in an attempt to test Rennes’ resolve before the window closes.
Meanwhile, Foot Mercato’s Santi Aouna has suggested Chelsea has already reached an agreement on personal terms with Jacquet’s representatives, although details regarding the length of the proposed contract have not yet been disclosed.
One of Europe’s brightest young defenders
Jacquet is widely regarded as one of the most exciting young defensive prospects in European football. A product of Rennes’ renowned academy — which has previously produced stars such as Ousmane Dembélé, Eduardo Camavinga and Désiré Doué — the 20-year-old has followed a steady developmental path.
He made his senior debut for Rennes in January 2024, coming off the bench in a 2-0 victory over Nice. Shortly after, Jacquet joined Clermont Foot on loan for the remainder of the 2023–24 season, where he gained valuable first-team experience.
Although his loan was initially extended into the current campaign, Rennes opted to recall him in February of last year after being impressed by his progress. The France Under-21 international was subsequently rewarded with a new contract, committing his future to the club until 2029.
Chelsea line up alternatives if talks stall
While Jacquet remains Chelsea’s preferred option, the club is also planning contingencies. According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea has compiled a shortlist of alternative centre-back targets should negotiations with Rennes fail to reach a breakthrough.
Among the names being monitored is Jacobo Ramón, the 21-year-old defender currently playing under Cesc Fàbregas at Serie A side Como. Chelsea is also tracking Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi, who could be available at a reduced fee with his contract set to expire in the summer.
Rosenior prepares for first league test
As transfer discussions continue behind the scenes, Chelsea return to Premier League action this weekend with a home clash against Brentford. The fixture will mark Rosenior’s first league match in charge since his arrival from Strasbourg.
The new manager has already experienced mixed fortunes, overseeing an FA Cup victory against Charlton Athletic before suffering a narrow Carabao Cup defeat to Arsenal earlier this week.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s test against a Brentford side sitting fifth in the table, Rosenior acknowledged the challenge his team faces.
“They are a proper team in every phase of the game,” he said. “All 11 players defend, they are excellent from set-pieces, and they work incredibly hard for each other. They are organised, disciplined, and very difficult to play against.
“We prepare for everything. There’s no stone left unturned. We know their strengths, and they know ours, so we’ll need to be at a very high level.”
With Chelsea eager to reinforce and Rosenior keen to make his mark, the coming weeks could prove decisive both on and off the pitch.