The final week of the January transfer window has begun, and despite being linked with several players this month, Chelsea are yet to make a major signing in this window. The Blues have been strongly linked with the signing of Rennes' centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, but it seems unlikely to happen due to difficulties over the fee and availability.
Incidentally, Aaron Anselmino has been recalled from his loan at Borussia Dortmund to cover that area of the pitch. That might be the clearest hint yet that the Jacquet deal is off the table. However, centre-back is not the only position the club have been looking to bolster this winter.
Douglas Luiz is another name who has been widely linked with a loan move to Stamford Bridge, as the Blues sought a new midfielder to cover for Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo, who have been facing fitness issues this season. Well, now there has been a new update regarding this, which the Chelsea fans won't like.
Chelsea have seemingly failed in their pursuit of the midfielder. According to Fabrizio Romano, Luiz to Aston Villa is 'here we go'. The Brazilian international is returning to the Birmingham-based club. There is a verbal agreement with Juventus over a paid loan deal with a buy option clause.
'Here we go' - Fabrizio Romano confirms Chelsea transfer twist
Luiz played for Aston Villa from 2019 to 2024, before moving to Turin in a €50 million deal. He made only 19 league appearances for Juventus last season before joining Nottingham Forest on loan in the summer.
Aston Villa stepped up their pursuit of Luiz after Youri Tielemans was sidelined for about eight weeks due to an ankle injury picked up against Newcastle United on Sunday. Unai Emery’s side is also currently without fellow midfielders John McGinn and Boubacar Kamara. Adding the Brazilian back to their midfield is huge for the Villans.
After missing out on Luiz, now it remains to be seen whether Chelsea will pursue an alternative target before the February 2 deadline or Liam Rosenior will put his trust in the current set-up. One thing is for sure, this winter window has been another disaster from BlueCo.