Chelsea and Arsenal Both Keen on 6ft 5in Como Defender Jacobo Ramon

Chelsea and Arsenal are showing keen interest in signing Como defender Jacobo Ramon, according to Spanish outlet AS. The 6ft 5in centre-back is valued at around £39m by Transfermarkt and remains under contract at Como until 2030.

  • Clubs interested: Chelsea and Arsenal
  • Player: Jacobo Ramon, 6ft 5in right-footed centre-back
  • Current club: Como
  • Valuation: Around £39m (Transfermarkt)
  • Contract: Until 2030
  • Real Madrid clauses: 50% sell-on and buyback option

Deal details

Chelsea have expressed their interest in Ramon, while Arsenal are also showing keen interest. However, no formal bid has been reported and Ramon is currently focusing on playing regularly and developing his career at Como. The Serie A club are not in any rush to sell him given his contract runs until 2030.

Ramon moved to Como from Real Madrid last year. Real Madrid hold a 50% sell-on clause and a buyback option, and they explored the possibility of re-signing him this summer. However, Ramon refused to join the Spanish giants to play as a rotational option.

Ramon is valued at around £39m by Transfermarkt. Como, managed by Cesc Fábregas, have no immediate need to sell and would likely demand a significant fee for the defender.

Why Chelsea and Arsenal are looking at Ramon

Chelsea have struggled with defensive frailties this season, leaking 15 goals in seven matches across all competitions. Xabi Alonso's side have conceded the most goals in the Premier League thus far this term. After winning the first two league games, they have accumulated only one point from the last three matches before the international break.

Alonso currently has Maxence Lacroix, Wesley Fofana, Josh Acheampong, Levi Colwill and Jorrel Hato as centre-back options, with Aaron Anselmino able to provide cover if needed. Despite that depth, the defensive record has prompted the Blues to consider signing a new centre-back next year, and AS report that Chelsea have expressed their interest in Ramon.

Arsenal decided to reinforce the backline by signing Ezri Konsa this summer following William Saliba's recent injury. So the Gunners don't need a new centre-back. However, Ramon is a talented player and possesses high potential, making him a shrewd acquisition for Arsenal or Chelsea should either club purchase him.

The numbers

  • Chelsea have leaked 15 goals in seven matches across all competitions this season.
  • Chelsea have conceded the most goals in the Premier League thus far this term.
  • Chelsea won their first two league games but have accumulated only one point from the last three matches before the international break.
  • Ramon is valued at around £39m by Transfermarkt.
  • Ramon's contract at Como runs until 2030.
  • Real Madrid hold a 50% sell-on clause and a buyback option.

Injury and availability

Arsenal signed Ezri Konsa this summer following William Saliba's recent injury. Saliba's injury is not detailed in the source, but it prompted Arsenal to reinforce the backline with Konsa.

Analysis: Why Ramon fits Chelsea more than Arsenal

Chelsea's defensive record this season is alarming. Conceding 15 goals in seven matches across all competitions is not the foundation for a title challenge, and Xabi Alonso knows it. Even with Maxence Lacroix, Wesley Fofana, Josh Acheampong, Levi Colwill and Jorrel Hato on the books, plus Aaron Anselmino as cover, the Blues have leaked goals at an unsustainable rate. The interest in Jacobo Ramon is a direct response to that.

Ramon would bring a different profile. At 6ft 5in, he is composed in possession, good in the air and efficient in defensive contributions. Those attributes suit Alonso's desire to build from the back while also dealing with the physical demands of the Premier League. Chelsea's current options are talented but have not solved the collective problem. Ramon would add height, technical quality and a long-term solution.

Arsenal's situation is less urgent. William Saliba's injury forced the club to sign Ezri Konsa, and with that addition, the Gunners do not need another centre-back. But Ramon's potential is such that Arsenal are monitoring him anyway. The North London club may see him as a future partner for Saliba, or as a valuable asset who could be developed and sold on. However, with Real Madrid holding a 50% sell-on clause and a buyback option, any deal would be complicated. Real Madrid explored re-signing Ramon this summer, but he refused to be a rotational option. That stance suggests he wants regular football, which both Chelsea and Arsenal could offer, but only if they can guarantee him a significant role.

Como, managed by Cesc Fábregas, are under no pressure to sell. Ramon's contract runs until 2030, and his valuation of around £39m is likely to rise if he continues to develop. For Chelsea, a move for Ramon would be a statement of intent to fix their defensive issues. For Arsenal, it would be a opportunistic signing of a high-potential player. The battle for his signature could be one to watch in 2027.

Talking points

  • Chelsea have conceded the most goals in the Premier League this season despite spending on defenders. Would Ramon actually solve the problem, or is the issue tactical?
  • Arsenal already have Saliba and Konsa. Spending £39m on another centre-back would be a luxury when other areas need strengthening.
  • Real Madrid's 50% sell-on clause and buyback option mean any club signing Ramon may have to deal with Los Blancos in the future.
  • Ramon refused to be a rotational player at Real Madrid. Would he accept a similar role at Chelsea or Arsenal, or would he demand to start?

What happens next

Chelsea and Arsenal will continue to monitor Jacobo Ramon. Neither club has made a concrete approach yet, and Como are under no pressure to sell. The next transfer window in 2027 will be the earliest opportunity for a move. Chelsea's defensive performances in the coming weeks could accelerate their interest, while Arsenal may wait to see how Saliba and Konsa perform together. Ramon's focus remains on playing regularly for Como.

Frequently asked questions

Are Chelsea and Arsenal signing Jacobo Ramon?

Chelsea and Arsenal are showing keen interest in signing Ramon, according to AS. No official bid has been reported, and Ramon is currently focusing on playing regularly at Como.

How much is Jacobo Ramon worth?

Jacobo Ramon is valued at around £39m by Transfermarkt.

Does Real Madrid have a buyback option for Jacobo Ramon?

Yes, Real Madrid hold a 50% sell-on clause and a buyback option for Jacobo Ramon. They explored the possibility of re-signing him this summer, but he refused to join to play as a rotational option.

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