For a while, it had looked like Chelsea were not going to make an addition at all in this winter transfer window. Thankfully, that no longer seems to be the case. On the contrary, it appears that the Blues are now pushing to get a deal done as soon as possible, as they have finally recognised their need to strengthen the centre-back ranks, something that Enzo Maresca was called for in the summer but was overlooked at the time.
Better late than never, as they say. Most fans might not agree with the direction that Chelsea's transfer plans have taken though.
For years now, Chelsea fans have called for experienced and proven players to be brought in. Instead, this new ownership and the sporting directors have constantly shelled out significant transfer fees for high-potential youngsters, most of whom have flopped.
It is remarkable that despite spending more than a billion pounds, Chelsea have not been able to put together a squad even capable of qualifying for the Champions League consistently. But even more worrying is the fact that they do not seem to recognise the need to change their strategy. On the contrary, they seem to be doubling down.
Fabrizio Romano confirms Chelsea agree personal terms with €65m player
As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have agreed personal terms with Jeremy Jacquet, their clear main target at centre-back. The contract is ready, the player is keen and talks are ongoing with Rennes, who are asking for a club-record fee of around €65 million. The Blues' current bid is lower than that.
Marc Guehi is set to join Manchester City for around £20 million. He is a Premier League-proven centre-back, a full England international, just 25 years of age, captained Crystal Palace to the FA Cup and even came through Cobham. But somehow, Chelsea seem more open to spending triple that to bring in an unproven French youth international with 29 appearances for Rennes to his name.
We recognise that Jacquet is one of the most highly-rated young defenders in world football today. But is he what Chelsea need right now? We have already seen Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile come in from Ligue 1, and fail to make the grade at Stamford Bridge.
An even better comparison might be Leny Yoro. He was even more highly-regarded than Jacquet during his time in Ligue 1 and had seemed on his way to Real Madrid before Manchester United swooped in. Since then, the Frenchman has struggled in the Premier League and is not even a first-choice starter these days.
Would it be a surprise if something similar happens with Jacquet if he ends up joining Chelsea? Not at all. That's not going to stop the Blues from signing him, though.