Chelsea are stepping up their pursuit of Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet, with the Blues closing in on an enormous deal in January as negotiations between the 2 golf equipment intensify.
Fabrizio Romano says Chelsea have already agreed private phrases with the highly-rated 20-year-old and are getting ready a contract, with the participant absolutely dedicated to a transfer.
The remaining hurdle is reaching a payment settlement with Rennes.
Chelsea officers fly to France to signal Jeremy Jacquet
In accordance with Romano, Chelsea’s present provide is decrease than Rennes’ valuation, however negotiations are accelerating.
Rennes are regarded as aiming to promote him for round 65 million euros, which might be the membership’s highest ever value. In a transparent signal of intent, Chelsea officers traveled to France to push the deal over the road earlier than the January deadline closes.
Romano reported on X as follows:
“Chelsea have agreed private phrases with Jeremy Jacquet, who’s clearly their principal goal at centre-back. The deal is prepared, the participant is motivated and negotiations proceed with Rennes, who’re looking for a sale value of round 65 million euros, the very best within the membership’s historical past. #CFC’s bid is at the moment decrease than this. A mission to France has already taken place.”
Why Jeremy Jacquet is Chelsea’s prime defensive goal
If Chelsea can shut the hole, they’ll signal one in every of Ligue 1’s excellent defensive gamers for the 2025/26 season.
Since coming back from his mortgage spell at Clermont, Jacquet has established himself as Rennes’ defensive chief, combining elite physicality with trendy ball-playing capability, a profile that strongly appealed to Chelsea’s recruitment staff.
Jacquet’s nice efficiency at Rennes
His bodily profile suits the Premier League mould completely, however it’s his statistical output that has caught the attention of Chelsea’s recruitment staff.
Thus far this season, Jacquet ranks within the ninety fifth percentile for interceptions amongst Ligue 1 defenders, highlighting his elite anticipation and talent to learn the sport.
However he is greater than only a destroyer. He’s additionally comfy enjoying from the again, boasting an 88% move completion charge and ranks excessive in progressive carries from the protection.
His aggressive, front-footed type has seen him win 64% of his floor battles this season, including a layer of grit to Chelsea’s backline that has been lacking at instances.
At simply 20 years previous, he represents each an instantaneous athletic enchancment and a long-term funding within the Blues’ protection.
The following few days might be decisive as private phrases have been agreed and negotiations are underway. Chelsea’s willingness to journey and advance negotiations suggests rising confidence {that a} compromise might be achieved.
If the deal goes by way of, Jeremy Jacquet will change into some of the costly defensive additions in Chelsea’s historical past and might be a transparent assertion of intent in the course of the January contract interval.
