LONDON – Chelsea have taken a massive step toward securing one of Europe’s most promising defensive talents. According to CaughtOffside, the Blues have reached an agreement on personal terms with Rennes defender Jérémy Jacquet, effectively beating out competition from Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Arsenal.
With the player’s “green light” secured, the West London club is now focused on finalizing a deal with Rennes. The French outfit is holding out for a club-record fee, aware that they have one of the most coveted young center-backs in world football on their hands.
The €70 Million Price Tag
Rennes has set a valuation of €70 million (£59m) for the 20-year-old. If Chelsea meets this demand, it will represent the biggest sale in the history of the French club.
As of now, Chelsea has submitted an opening bid of €50 million. While there is still a gap between the two valuations, negotiations are progressing positively. The Chelsea hierarchy is confident that a compromise can be reached to bring the Frenchman to Stamford Bridge before the window shuts.
Solving the Defensive Crisis
The move for Jacquet comes at a critical time for Chelsea. The defensive unit has struggled this season due to a mix of injuries and inconsistent form.
- Levi Colwill has been sidelined for a significant portion of the campaign.
- Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo have faced internal criticism for below-par performances.
Jacquet, known for his physical dominance and ability to play as both a center-back and a full-back, is seen as the perfect partner for Wesley Fofana in the long term.
Chelsea’s Market Statement
By securing Jacquet’s commitment, Chelsea has sent a clear message to their Premier League and European rivals. Despite interest from Manchester United and Arsenal, the “Blue project” proved more enticing for the youngster. For Real Madrid and Liverpool, this represents a significant blow in their search for defensive reinforcements.
Miguel Manjate is a football journalist and editor covering the Premier League, European competitions, and transfer news, with a strong focus on match analysis and data-driven reporting.
