Rennes are ready to demand record a club-record fee for Chelsea target Jeremy Jacquet.
Chelsea have placed Jacquet on their list of potential options as the club look to sign a centre-back before the transfer deadline.
The 20-year-old has built a reputation as one of Ligue 1's best young prospects at Rennes, since breaking into the senior side on a regular basis this season.
Jacquet has made 16 league appearances for Rennes, with just two players in Ligue 1 boasting a better tackle success rate when facing dribblers (83.3%). He also ranks ninth in the division for blocks made.
Liam Rosenior wants to add defensive depth amid Levi Colwill's long-term absence with an ACL injury and Jacquet fits the profile for Chelsea's recruitment model.
However, Rennes are reluctant to lose the centre-back and will demand a significant fee. According to transfer insider Ben Jacobs, Rennes believe Jacquet can fetch the club a record sale.
The French side are hopeful of surpassing the £55m fee that Manchester City paid to sign Jeremy Doku from Roazhon Park in August 2023. Jacquet has informed Rennes of his desire to move to the Premier League this month.
Negotiations between Chelsea and Rennes are ongoing, though it's unclear whether the West Londoners are prepared to match that asking price.
Chelsea are considering several potential centre-back targets, ahead of the deadline for Premier League clubs on February 2nd.