Chelsea have reportedly reached an agreement on personal terms with highly rated French defender Jeremy Jacquet, laying the groundwork ahead of a potential January transfer.
The Blues have already made a significant move this month by appointing Liam Rosenior as head coach following the departure of Enzo Maresca. Now, attention is turning to squad reinforcement, with Chelsea’s BlueCo ownership seemingly ready to back their new manager in the transfer market.
BlueCo ownership, who Rosenior worked under at former club Strasbourg, are now prepared to dip their hand in their pocket to sanction a January incoming. And it’s a player who Rosenior would’ve seen up close and personal from his time in the French first tier.
However, securing the 20-year-old’s signature will not be straightforward. According to reports from French outlet Foot Mercato, Rennes are determined to hold out for a club-record fee, one that would surpass the £55.5 million received from Manchester City for Jeremy Doku in 2023. Rennes are said to be demanding more than £65 million, with Bayern Munich also monitoring the situation.
The 20-year-old has made 18 appearances for Rennes across all competitions, with 17 in Ligue 1. The central defender, who has earned call-ups to the French Under-21 squad, also has over three years left on his current deal, hence Rennes’ high valuation.
The west Londoners have had some defensive troubles this season, with Levi Colwill out injured for much of the campaign and the likes of Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo struggling for consistency.
Jacquet seemingly fits Chelsea’s recruitment profile perfectly, he’s young, with a high-upside, and capable of contributing immediately. As negotiations progresses, he could become the first major on-pitch signing of the Rosenior era at Stamford Bridge.
