Jeremy Jacquet has informed Rennes he would like to join Chelsea during the January transfer window, GIVEMESPORT understands. Personal terms have already been agreed with the 20-year-old French centre-back and Chelsea have now opened formal club-to-club talks.
Rennes entered into the winter window anticipating Jacquet, who is contracted until 2029, would stay. The talented defender has several summer suitors, including Arsenal and Bayern Munich, and Rennes were expecting a bidding war at the end of the season.
Chelsea Close In On Transfer
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior looks dejected after the match
But Chelsea have decided to force the issue, bringing forward proposed summer business in order to try and sign a starting centre-back to compliment and ultimately play alongside Levi Colwill when the England centre-back returns from his ACL injury.
Rennes are currently pushing for a Champions League spot in Ligue 1, standing sixth in the table, and France-based sources tell GMS a club record sale, surpassing the €64million that saw Jeremy Doku move to Manchester City, could be required for an immediate sale.
Yet Chelsea’s starting valuation is understood to be lower and they are now in direct negotiations with Rennes.
Chelsea have at least two other targets they may turn to as they bid to support new head coach Liam Rosenior with another defender, but Jacquet is currently their priority.
Chelsea Looked At Other Signings
marcos senesi
Como's Jacobo Ramón is another player of interest, but he only joined the Italian club over the summer and Real Madrid have a buy back clause they are considering triggering as early as this summer.
Bournemouth's Marcos Senesi, a free agent this summer, has also been discussed, but Chelsea at this stage prefer to explore Jacquet believing he can quickly become an elite defender for the club, and is eight years younger than the Cherries' centre-back. Bournemouth have not had an approach from any club for Senesi and are not anticipating a mid-season exit as it stands.
Chelsea had looked to sign a centre-back in the summer transfer window, before Colwill's season-ending injury, and were one of the interested clubs in Dean Huijsen before he signed for Real Madrid.
Josh Acheampong Staying Put
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Any transfer is contingent on not blocking the pathway to the first team for Josh Acheampong, who has garnered interest from other Premier League clubs and abroad.
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.
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Who is Chelsea Wonderkid Josh Acheampong
Josh Acheampong's current Chelsea deal expires in the summer of 2026. Both Liverpool & Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing him.