Chelsea recall Anselmino amid stalled Jacquet talks

Chelsea have recalled centre-back Aaron Anselmino from his loan spell at Borussia Dortmund, a move that underlines the club’s mounting defensive concerns as their January recruitment plans stall.

The Blues exercised a break clause in Anselmino’s season-long loan, triggering an early return to Stamford Bridge and reportedly leaving Dortmund frustrated by the timing of the decision.

Dortmund left frustrated by recall

Anselmino joined Dortmund last summer after making his Chelsea debut in a Club World Cup win over Benfica.

The loan agreement included a recall option, which Chelsea have now activated without prior notice to the Bundesliga club.

Dortmund officials are understood to be unhappy with the suddenness of the move, particularly with the January window nearing its close and limited time to source a replacement.

The Argentina Under-20 international made 10 appearances for the German side and was seen emotional when bidding farewell to teammates, with Dortmund sharing footage of his departure on social media.

Head coach Niko Kovac had previously praised the defender’s impact. “You can rely on that young man from the first minute to the last,” Kovac said last month. “A great lad, but also a great defender.”

Jacquet deal hits roadblock

Chelsea’s decision comes as their pursuit of Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet continues to falter. While personal terms were agreed with the 20-year-old, negotiations with the French club have failed to produce a January deal.

“Rennes have no intention to let Jeremy Jacquet leave in January,” transfer insider Fabrizio Romano said, adding that a summer move could still be possible amid interest from Liverpool and Bayern Munich.

With Jacquet now unlikely to arrive this month, Chelsea appear to be acting to cover immediate squad depth concerns.

Defensive options stretched

Chelsea’s centre-back resources have been stretched by injuries. Levi Colwill is expected to miss the season with an ACL injury, while Tosin Adarabioyo has also been sidelined.

That leaves Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana as the only senior options, with 19-year-old Josh Acheampong offering limited experience.

The club also retain the option to recall Mamadou Sarr from Strasbourg later in the window if required.

Chelsea, who have made a strong start under new head coach Liam Rosenior, will hope Anselmino’s return provides short-term cover as they reassess their defensive strategy ahead of the summer window.