Chelsea have accelerated their pursuit of a centre-back able to start big matches, and are growing in confidence they may be able to sign one this month.
Standard Sport understands Chelsea are also looking for a midfielder and an attacker.
There is a willingness from the club’s recruitment team to do business in those positions this month rather than the summer as well, if attractive opportunities arise now. It is understood that business that does not get done in January will be completed in the summer.
Chelsea hold some level of interest in Jeremy Jacquet of Rennes and Jacobo Ramon of Como, but it remains to be seen who emerges as their preferred centre-back candidate and whether they can get a deal done before the February 2 deadline.
The position became more of a priority in previous head coach Enzo Maresca’s mind once Levi Colwill suffered a serious injury in pre-season training. Maresca had to find internal solutions to cover Colwill’s loss because the quality of centre-backs available to sign was not deemed high enough.
Chelsea fully intend for Colwill, who has not played a single minute this season, to remain a key figure at the club. His rehabilitation from the injury is going smoothly.
Internally, Chelsea believe public knowledge of their desire to sign a top centre-back weakened their leverage in last summer’s window.
Facundo Buonanotte was signed on loan from Brighton because Chelsea were willing to be patient to ensure their next permanent signing of a creative forward was the right player. They are continuing to search for that player and hope to complete a move for a target there either this month or in the summer.
A midfield signing is also wanted at some stage by Chelsea, who face Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday.
