According to The Pitch Prospect, Chelsea need to spend at least £55million to sign 20-year-old target Jeremy Jacquet.
The Blues are negotiating a January deal with Rennes for the France U21 centre-back, considered one of Europe’s most exciting young players.
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Chelsea are optimistic about expanding their options in defense after Levi Colwill missed the entire season due to a cruciate ligament injury he sustained in pre-season.
Blues bosses have been hesitant to bring in defensive reinforcements, but the ongoing problems of Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana have led to a change of direction.
Chelsea have been looking for a new centre-back and see Jacquet as the perfect mix of youth and talent – he can start straight away in Liam Rosenior’s side but also has high potential to improve even further.
The west London club are in club-to-club discussions with Rennes about a move for the French youngster but have been told they will have to pay big to achieve their goal.
According to The Pitch Prospect sources, Rennes are hoping to agree a record sale for Jacquet, whose contract runs until 2029.
The Ligue 1 club is hoping for a transfer fee of more than 64 million euros [around £55m] Manchester City moved to Jermey Doku in the summer of 2023.
It remains to be seen whether Chelsea are willing to go that high, but the Blues are hoping a deal can be reached before the January window closes on February 2nd.
Chelsea are not the only club with a historic interest in the 20-year-old, who was involved when France reached the final of the European Under-19 Championship in 2024.
Premier League and London rivals Arsenal were linked with Jacquet last summer and are even said to have made initial contacts about a possible deal.
However, these links came about due to uncertainty over defensive partners William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, who both later signed new contracts to commit their futures to the Gunners.
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With Arsenal ultimately deciding not to pursue Jacquet, Chelsea have pounced and are keen to be the club to bring the talented star to the capital.
Who is Jeremy Jacquet?
Jacquet is a product of Rennes’ academy system, where he came through the ranks alongside PSG star Desire Doue, Tottenham Hotspur striker Mathys Tel and ex-Chelsea midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu. Last season, Jacquet enjoyed a breakout season for his boyhood club.
He made his Rennes debut in January 2024 and was then loaned out to Ligue 1 rivals Clermont for the rest of the season.
His loan club was relegated that year, but Jacquet impressed so much that his stay was extended for the entire 2024/25 season to gain valuable experience in Ligue 2.
However, his time in the second division only lasted 17 appearances – he had played so well that his parent club decided to recall him and send him straight to the first team, where he played the rest of the season in Ligue 1.
After returning to Rennes, he played eleven games and showed his versatility by playing at center back and right back.
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Saliba comparisons – “A technical leader”
Regular observers of Jacquet praise his composure and comfort with the ball in his performance.
He is also strong in the air and very fast.
These qualities have led to comparisons with Arsenal and French centre-back Saliba.
They also share the same birthplace – the Paris suburb of Bondy.
One of Rennes’ development coaches even described Jacquet as “the technical leader of his generation”.