Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet and a delegation has been sent to France to orchestrate a deal. Meanwhile, Rennes are in action on Sunday evening.
As things stand at the time of writing, 20-year-old Jacquet has agreed a move to Chelsea. But it is now down to both Chelsea and Rennes to agree a price, with the Ligue 1 side requesting a massive £60m.
Jacquet is one of three names on Chelsea’s centre-back shortlist. Como’s Spain U21 defender Jacobo Ramon is also an option having starred under Cesc Fabregas, as is Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi.
But as Chelsea try to thrash out a deal to land the France U21 star’s signature, Rennes are in action. The European hopefuls play host to Le Havre, who continue to surprise their rivals in the fight for survival.
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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Why Jeremy Jacquet is not in Rennes’ squad to face Le Havre
Until December’s 5-0 hammering against PSG, 20-year-old Jacquet had played every single minute of Rennes’ Ligue 1 campaign. Rennes currently sit in sixth, which means Conference League qualification.
But a two yellows against PSG, his fourth and fifth of the season, saw him miss the next game due to a one-match ban. He was back in against Lille last time out, a 2-0 win, but picked up another yellow.
Jeremy Jacquet of France controls the ball
Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images
Chelsea fans might be hearing that Jacquet is not involved with Rennes because the Blues are nearing a deal for the young defender. That might be true, but Jacquet is suspended, and always has been.
With a double yellow meaning only one is added to the tally, the caution received last time out means Jacquet is now sidelined for another one-game suspension, due to accumulating five yellow cards.
Jeremy Jacquet move is bad news for Benoit Badiashile
Chelsea currently have four central defenders in the first team, with Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana currently first choice given the duo have started both games against Arsenal in the Cup, and Brentford.
Tosin is a proven Premier League player and that leaves Benoit Badiashile. The Frenchman started against Charlton in Rosenior’s first game but as Pat Nevin said, Badiashile looked completely uncomfortable.
How much would you be willing to pay for Jeremy Jacquet?💰
Rennes name Jeremy Jacquet price tag
Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
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The signing of Jacquet will see him overtake at least one of the four options and right now, that is Badiashile. If Chelsea manages to get a deal done for Jacquet, don’t be surprised to see Badiashile leave.
But for now, Badiashile is set to be in contention for Chelsea’s Champions League squad next week as Rosenior prepares for his first game in the competition against Cypriot side Pafos.
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