“I can tell you” – Fabrizio Romano provides new update on Chelsea’s hunt for a centre back

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the Chelsea News

·17 January 2026

“I can tell you” – Fabrizio Romano provides new update on Chelsea’s hunt for a centre back

Chelsea have had direct contact with Rennes over the last 24 hours for defender Jeremy Jacquet according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Blues were expected to be quiet this month, but things appear to have changed and Chelsea are now exploring a move for a centre back.

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Chelsea are thought to have three names on their radar, but whether they end up getting any of them remains to be seen.

Chelsea have direct contact with Rennes over Jeremy Jacquet

The Blues lost Levi Colwill to an ACL injury before the start of the season, and despite pleas from then head coach Enzo Maresca they didn’t sign a replacement.

However, new head coach Liam Rosenior seems to have come to the same conclusion that the current crop of centre backs aren’t good enough or possess the skill sets he requires.

Chelsea have been heavily linked with Jacquet, whilst they are also said to be interested in Como’s Jacobo Ramon.

Jacquet is attracting interest from a number of clubs.

Bayern Munich are also said to be interested in Jacquet, and Romano has now provided an update on the 20-year-old.

“I can tell you that Chelsea in the last 24 hours had direct contact with Rennes for Jeremy Jacquet,” he told his YouTube channel.

“The French defender has been in the list of Arsenal for a long time.

“Chelsea have now had new contacts with Rennes. There are 2 other options on their list.”

Jacquet is under contract under 2029, and Rennes are reportedly looking for a similar fee to what they received from Manchester City for Jeremy Doku, which was around €66m.