Despite the sheer volume of signings Chelsea have made since the current ownership took over in 2022, you always get the feeling that the team still needs multiple additions.   

There are a number of areas you could make this case for, but one particular position that has been neglected is central defence. Enzo Maresca publicly stated that he wanted to sign one last summer after Levi Colwill's ACL injury, but it never came. 

Whatever your thoughts on Maresca were and are, he was right when he said that the team needed another player in that position. It has been the team's Achilles heel for much of the campaign. 

So, there has been much anticipation among the Chelsea faithful that new manager Liam Rosenior will be backed with a new centre-back this winter transfer window, and they may get their wish.   

According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have been in active talks since the start of this week to bring in a new central defender. He states that Jeremy Jacquet of Ligue 1 side Rennes has been on the club's shortlist since the summer, and is one of three names on the list for January. 

At just 20 years of age, Jacquet is highly regarded within French circles and has been tipped for a big move, whether this month or in the summer. Despite strong competition, there have been calls for him to be included in France's World Cup squad in North America. 

We have seen Chelsea dip into the French market a lot in the Clearlake era, so there shouldn't be a huge surprise that they are again looking at a player in Ligue 1. 

Nevertheless, he is a very talented prospect, and the team is clearly lacking in this position. Back in November, he played 90 minutes for Rennes in a 4-1 league victory over Rosenior's Strasbourg side. Perhaps he impressed the manager that day, though it still feels like another club signing.

We will have to wait and see, but you would be massively surprised if Chelsea did not sign anyone this month. And, considering central defence is the team's clearest weakest area, it would make sense for a potential new signing to be in that position.

There could also be more than one signing, but let's see. There is still half the transfer window left to go, and it promises to be an exciting couple of weeks in store.

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