No credible sources, including Fabrizio Romano (the most reliable transfer journalist), have reported any confirmation of these moves. In fact, recent updates directly contradict the narrative of a “stunning double move” or Palmer’s exit.
Vinícius Júnior Links
Chelsea have been loosely connected to Vinícius Jr. in January rumors, with some outlets suggesting the Blues were plotting a massive £135m+ bid amid his contract uncertainty at Real Madrid (expiring in 2027) and reported unhappiness under their current setup. However, Romano explicitly shut down these stories as “completely wide of the mark.” He stated there are no talks, no bids, and no negotiations with Chelsea or Real Madrid for the Brazilian superstar. Vinícius remains focused on Madrid, with no January exit planned. Other reports position Manchester City as favorites for any potential summer move, but nothing points to an imminent Chelsea deal—let alone a confirmed one.
Jérémy Jacquet Pursuit
The 20-year-old Rennes centre-back remains a genuine target for Chelsea under Liam Rosenior, who prioritizes intelligent, ball-playing defenders for long-term build-up play. Personal terms with Jacquet are reportedly agreed or very close—he’s keen on the move—and Chelsea have been in ongoing discussions with Rennes. However, the negotiation is “complicated” and “difficult”:
- Rennes demand a club-record fee around €60m-€65m (plus add-ons), while Chelsea’s offers hover in the €40m-€50m range.
- No agreement has been reached for January, with Rennes preferring to keep him until summer (or loan-back if sold now).
- Competition from Liverpool and Bayern Munich is intensifying, turning it into a real race.
- To address immediate defensive needs (amid Levi Colwill’s injury), Chelsea recalled Aaron Anselmino from his loan at Borussia Dortmund—Romano confirmed this as a proactive step, with more business expected soon.
Jacquet is still very much on Chelsea’s radar for summer, but there’s zero confirmation of a done deal now.
Cole Palmer Situation
Rumors of Palmer leaving Chelsea have surfaced sporadically, often tied to homesickness (he’s a Manchester native) and links to Manchester United as a “boyhood club” target. Some tabloids claim he’s “unsettled” in London, open to a move, or even ready to hand in a transfer request. However, these lack substantiation from top sources. Rosenior has addressed it directly, stating he’s had “numerous conversations” with Palmer, who “seems very, very happy” at the club and remains integral to plans now and long-term. Chelsea view him as untouchable, with no intention of entertaining offers—his contract runs until 2033, and he’s seen as crucial despite injury setbacks limiting him to just 13 appearances this season.
Broader Context
Chelsea’s January window has been quiet and calculated: limited incomings (mostly recalls like Anselmino and minor youth deals), focus on outgoings for financial balance, and strategic targets like Jacquet for future-proofing rather than panic buys. Rosenior’s vision emphasizes youth, intelligence, and possession-based defending—no signs of a dramatic overhaul involving a €150m+ superstar like Vinícius or sacrificing Palmer.
These “reports flying everywhere” seem fueled by fan accounts, clickbait aggregators, or exaggerated social media posts (e.g., dream teams featuring Vinícius alongside Palmer). In reality, no double signing has been confirmed, and Palmer isn’t on the exit list. With the window closing soon (early February 2026), expect potential late developments on Jacquet (possibly a pre-agreement for summer) or other short-term cover, but nothing matching the sensational claims.
Chelsea fans in Lagos and beyond—stay skeptical of unverified “breaking” news. The rebuild continues methodically under Rosenior, not through tabloid fantasy deals. (Word count: 752)
