Chelsea are pushing to finalize a deal for Rennes’ rising star Jérémy Jacquet, having already reached a personal agreement with the 20-year-old defender.
According to reports from RMC Sport and CaughtOffside, the Blues have placed a €50 million offer on the table. However, Rennes are holding out for a fee in excess of €60 million before sanctioning the departure of their prized asset. Despite late interest from Real Madrid and Liverpool, Jacquet has reportedly given the green light for a move to Stamford Bridge.
The Rosenior Factor
The appointment of Liam Rosenior has been a decisive factor in Chelsea’s pursuit. Having closely monitored Jacquet’s development in Ligue 1, Rosenior has approved the signing of the 1.90m defender, viewing him as the perfect profile to anchor his backline.
Following Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Brentford, where Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo started, it remains clear that the Blues are still searching for a long-term, undisputed central partnership. Jacquet is expected to arrive with the status of an immediate starter.
Scout Report: Who is Jérémy Jacquet?
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Jacquet is the definition of a “modern” center-back. Standing tall at 1.90m, he doesn’t rely solely on physical brute force. Instead, his game is built on:
- Elite Reading of the Game: Exceptional at anticipating passing lanes and positioning himself to intercept plays before they become dangerous.
- Ball-Playing Ability: Calm under pressure, Jacquet is a reliable distributor, capable of initiating attacks from the deep with short, precise passes.
- High-Line Suitability: His intelligence in tight spaces and understanding of when to step up makes him ideal for teams that defend away from their own goal.
Negotiation Standoff
While the player is eager to move to London, the financial gap remains. Chelsea’s €50m bid is significant, but Rennes believe the Frenchman’s ceiling justifies a record-breaking fee for a defender of his age.
With the transfer window nearing its conclusion, Chelsea must decide whether to meet the €60m asking price or risk a late hijack from European rivals who are still monitoring the situation.
Siara Costa is a football editor and writer covering both European men’s and women’s football, with a focus on league competitions, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling.
