Chelsea have reportedly struck an agreement with French defender Jeremy Jacquet and are hoping to finalise a deal for the youngster to move to West London this month.
Even before his arrival, Liam Rosenior will have been able to look at Chelsea’s squad list and recognise that centre-back is a problem position. Wesley Fofana is fit again, and Tosin has improved in recent weeks.
Trevoh Chalobah continues to make mistakes, having done so against Fulham for Raul Jimenez’s opener. On Saturday, he will have been grateful for goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, after allowing Kevin Schade in.
Benoit Badiashile did not make a good first impression under Rosenior against Charlton and clearly, the Blues need a centre-back. Especially, with Axel Disasi one half of a two-man Chelsea bomb squad.
How much would you be willing to pay for Jeremy Jacquet?💰
Rennes name Jeremy Jacquet price tag
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While Chelsea have an agreement with 20-year-old Jacquet, the obstacle comes in the form of Ligue 1 side Rennes, who are desperate to get full price for the next exciting talent off their conveyor belt.
Remember, Rennes are the architects of talents such as Georginio Rutter, Eduardo Camavinga, Ousmane Dembele, and Jeremy Doku. Reports claim that Rennes want as much as £60m for the U21 international.
Eduardo Camavinga, Ousmane Dembele, Kylian Mbappe
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Whether Chelsea are able to spend such a fee given their £300m summer outlay remains to be seen, but French outlet Jeunes Footeux suggests the Blues could offer Rennes a player or two in return for Jacquet.
Indeed, the French site claims Rennes could be offered Josh Acheampong or Andrey Santos by Chelsea in a deal for the centre-back. The report says Santos is less likely given Rosenior has arrived at Chelsea.
Chelsea aren’t the only Premier League club eyeing Jacquet
The French defender has only played 29 times for Rennes’ first team but it is enough to show the biggest sides in the world he has what it takes. Especially because he comes from Rennes’ esteemed academy.
But Chelsea aren’t the only Premier League club interested. Indeed, Caught Offside claim Liverpool have a three-man centre-back shortlist and Jacquet is one, with Manchester City-bound Marc Guehi another.
Should Chelsea recall Aaron Anselmino or sign Jeremy Jacquet?
Which option are you going for and why? 🧐
Split image of Borussia Dortmund's Aaron Anselmino and Rennes' Jeremy Jacquet
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It feels unlikely that Liverpool are going to match any bid Chelsea make over the next fortnight, but Liverpool’s scouts have watched Jacquet extensively and have delivered glowing reports on the defender.
Is he worth £60m? It is a lot of money for a player that is yet to reach 30 senior appearances. Many would argue that right now, Chelsea need an experienced head in the middle of Rosenior’s defence, currently.
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