Chelsea send scouts to watch “complete” Serie A defender who Carlo Ancelotti said “has the level to play for Real Madrid”

Napoli's Scott McTominay and Como's Jacobo Ramon. (REUTERS/Ciro De Luca)

Chelsea’s new era under Liam Rosenior got off to the perfect start at the weekend, as the Blues cruised into the FA Cup fourth round with a commanding 5–1 win over Charlton.

Goals from Jorrel Hato, Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Guiu, Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernández underlined the attacking depth at Rosenior’s disposal and made him the first Chelsea boss since Antonio Conte to win his opening match in charge.

Despite the emphatic result, defensive injuries remain a concern at Stamford Bridge, and with the January transfer window now open, Rosenior is keen to strengthen at the back.

Chelsea’s recruitment team have wasted little time, and one young defender has already caught their attention.

Chelsea are among several Premier League clubs keeping close tabs on Como centre-back Jacobo Ramón, with scouts dispatched to monitor his progress in Serie A.

According to Caught Offside, Chelsea have been tracking the 21-year-old since December, viewing him as a potential long-term addition who fits the club’s youth-driven recruitment model. Ramón only joined Como from Real Madrid last summer, but has quickly established himself as a regular starter, impressing with his composure, technical ability and reading of the game.

The Spaniard has been described as a “complete” defender by talent scout Jacek Kulig, while Carlo Ancelotti previously claimed Ramón “has the level to play for Real Madrid,” a remark that continues to follow him as interest grows across Europe.

Ramón has already made 16 league appearances this season and is tied to Como until 2030, underlining how highly the Italian club rate him. Any deal, however, would be complicated by clauses inserted by Real Madrid, including an €8m buy-back option and a 50 per cent sell-on clause.

Chelsea see Ramón as a developmental signing rather than an instant fix, but with Rosenior looking to future-proof his defence, the Blues’ growing interest suggests this is a name to watch closely as the window progresses.

Barnaby Lane is a highly experienced sports writer who has written for The Times, FourFourTwo Magazine, Sports Illustrated, TalkSPORT, and Business Insider.

Over the years, he's had the pleasure of interviewing some of the biggest names in world sport, including Usain Bolt, Rafael Nadal, Christian Pulisic, and more.