The centre-back position is one that needs to be strengthened by Chelsea as soon as possible. One could argue that they have already left it too late and damaged their season. Enzo Maresca had called for an addition there in the summer after Levi Colwill suffered an ACL injury but his wishes were overlooked. It is the team that has paid the price as they have looked defensively suspect throughout the campaign.
Trevoh Chalobah is a rotational option at best. Wesley Fofana continues to deal with fitness issues. Benoit Badiashile had a few bright displays but is extremely inconsistent. Josh Acheampong has not gotten enough chances at centre-back. Tosin Adarabioyo is not good enough to be a starter. And Axel Disasi has been left out of the picture already.
Amid all this, Maresca has been sacked and replaced by Liam Rosenior. And it looks like the Blues might be keen to help their new manager by making a signing in this window, even though that was not in their original plans.
As reported by The Telegraph, Chelsea were planning to wait until the summer to make a defensive signing but are now bringing forward their plans in order to give Rosenior a boost. They have been linked with Jeremy Jacquet and Jacobo Ramon.
Chelsea now want to sign former Real Madrid centre-back immediately
Ramon came through the youth ranks at Real Madrid and made six senior appearances for Los Blancos before his move to Como in the summer. He has shined for Cesc Fabregas' side and has caught the attention of Chelsea.
On the other hand, Jacquet is on the books at Rennes. The club have a reputation for producing top talents and it looks like the centre-back is next on that list.
This goes on to show though that Chelsea are not willing to budge from their transfer model despite the underwhelming results it has produced. It feels like the strategy is more important to the club than success at this point. Both Ramon and Jacquet are highly-rated, but to us, it does not feel like either is ready to come in and immediately establish themselves as nailed-on starters for the Blues in the heart of the defence.
Someone like Marc Guehi is, and he is available as well. But Chelsea seem to be overlooking the Cobham youth graduate despite his status as one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League, a full England international and an FA Cup-winning captain for Crystal Palace.