Chelsea’s will continue their defensive rebuild in the summer and the latest player linked raises questions about whether BlueCo are genuinely planning to adjust their recruitment strategy this summer.
Chelsea are believed to be placing greater emphasis on experience moving forward amid the squad’s lack of leadership and in-game management leading to too many early goals being conceded.
The Blues' squad remains one of the youngest in the Premier League and, while the players' potential is obvious, there have been plenty of occasions this season where they've been too fragile.
However, despite all the talk of BlueCo changing direction, they still appear heavily attracted towards signing another young centre-back viewed primarily as a long-term project rather than an immediate solution.
Chelsea interested in Jacobo Ramon... again
According to The Sun, Jacobo Ramon is once again being considered by Chelsea after being a target during the January transfer window.
The 21-year-old defender only joined Como from Real Madrid last year. He has been a key player for Cesc Fabregas this season, featuring 30 times in Serie A.
Los Blancos inserted a buy-back clause into the defender's transfer, and although they're not expected to trigger the clause, it has the potential to complicate things in the summer.
The Blues tracked Ramon at the same time they pursued Jeremy Jacquet before the Frenchman ultimately agreed to join Liverpool at the end of this season.
Interestingly, Ramon fits the profile Chelsea have looked for in the past few years. He's young, technically gifted and has come through one of the biggest academies in world. There is also significant resale value there.
BlueCo clearly not giving up on youth transfer model
While Chelsea may now recognise the need for more experience within the squad, there still appears to be a reluctance to move too far away from the long-term recruitment model BlueCo have spent their time in charge building.
The problem is that Chelsea are now reaching the point where potential alone is no longer enough, and that's been proven time and time again.
Ramon could eventually become an excellent defender, and Chelsea’s recruitment team clearly see something in him if their interest has continued beyond January.
But if he arrives this summer, he would also become another young player expected to develop under the pressure and scrutiny that comes with playing at Stamford Bridge, and that's a big ask.
After the way this season has unfolded, there is an increasing feeling that what this squad needs most is balance rather than simply more potential.
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