Liam Rosenior is closing in on his first January transfer window deal, with a move advancing to bring in Jeremy Jacquet from French club Rennes.
As GIVEMESPORT reported earlier this week, Chelsea earmarked centre-back as a position they were keen to strengthen in the winter window, with a number of players linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.
But Jacquet is the one they appear to have focused on, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that the Blues have already agreed personal terms with the 20-year-old France Under-21 international.
Rennes Name Their Price For Jacquet
Jeremy Jacquet marking Bradley Barcola
Jacquet will become Rosenior's first new signing as head coach if the Blues can come to an agreement over payment for the young centre-back in the coming days.
Rennes are understood to want a club record fee of around €65million to sell the defender, with Chelsea's current bid lower than that valuation.
Jacquet has started every Ligue Un game he has been eligible for so far this season, keeping five clean sheets in 16 matches. Rennes sit sixth in the table and are on course to qualify for Europe next season and will want to get as much money as possible to seel one of their key players in the middle of the campaign.
Champions League Squad Changes
UEFA Champions League logo
In this photo illustration made on August 17, 2024, the UEFA Champions League (UCL) logo is displayed on a smartphone screen.
Credit: Jaque Silva/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
GIVEMESPORT understands Chelsea deliberately left a Champions League List A slot open in case of January movement - despite the fact clubs can make up to three changes to their squad between the league phase and the knockout stages.
The injury to Levi Colwill earlier this season left the Blues shorter in the centre-back department than they wished to be and they were keen to sign another player in the heart of the defence even before Colwill's injury, with the club missing out on signing Dean Huijesn from Bournemouth, with the Spaniard eventually signing for Real Madrid.
Completing a deal for a 20-year-old in Jacquet will ensure the development of Josh Acheampong is not hindered too.
Josh Acheampong Is Not For Sale
Josh Acheampong in action for Chelsea
Chelsea's position is the highly-rated 19-year-old is not for sale, but Bayern Munich and a number of Premier League clubs are keeping tabs on the situation. The teenager has made 16 appearances this season in all competitions and has looked assured at the back, playing as a right-back or centre-back.
Chelsea are adamant that Acheampong can't leave the club, but some of Europe's top clubs are keeping a close eye on his future in case that position changes.