Chelsea appear to be doing everything they can to sign Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes this month.
On Saturday, it was reported that Chelsea had been in direct contact with Rennes to sign their rising star.
The Blues’ initial plan was to wait until the summer and then bring in a new central defender. However, following the arrival of Liam Rosenior, they seem to have brought their plans forward.
IMAGINE: You have the final say on Chelsea’s three-man centre-back shortlist. Who will you pick?
The three centre-back targets under consideration at Chelsea:
Jeremy Jacquet
Jacobo Ramon
Marcos Senesi
Đorđe Petrović and Marcos Senesi of Bournemouth
Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images
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Other clubs are also thought to be interested in Jacquet, but Chelsea appear to be leading the race for his signature.
Iker Bravo of Spain in action against Jérémy Jacquet of France
Photo by Seb Daly – Sportsfile/UEFA via Getty Images
Chelsea have promised Jeremy Jacquet regular playing time
Journalist Simon Phillips has claimed on Si Phillips Talks Chelsea that Arsenal are one of the other sides who are keen on Jacquet.
However, according to Phillips, Chelsea have promised Jacquet that he will get regular minutes at Stamford Bridge.
That seems to have done the trick, as it is being reported elsewhere that Jacquet has already agreed a contract with Chelsea.
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
Photo by Alexandre Simoes/Borussia Dortmund via Getty Images/Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile
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The arrival of Jacquet would obviously be bad news for someone like Tosin Adarabioyo, who is already fighting for minutes.
Adarabioyo played against Brentford and was quite solid, but that was only his seventh start in the Premier League this season.
Chelsea's English defender #04 Tosin Adarabioyo celebrates scoring
Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images
Jeremy Jacquet’s strengths
Statistically, Jacquet is very good at making tackles and interceptions. As per FBref, the 20-year-old is making 1.95 tackles and 1.69 interceptions per 90 minutes, putting him in the 84th and 95th percentiles for those areas among central defenders.
Chelsea need more than a good tackler and interceptor, though. What Rosenior’s squad is lacking is experience and leadership.
It is why Marc Guehi would have been a great signing for the Blues, but he is heading to Manchester City unfortunately.
Chelsea already have young central defenders with talent. It is hard to see what exactly Jacquet will fix if he arrives at Stamford Bridge this winter or in the summer. His signing will leave more questions for the club’s owners and sporting directors to answer.
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