Chelsea are working on signing Jeremy Jacquet from French club Rennes.
Understandably, it is not a simple deal for them to do. It is the middle of the season, so Rennes are reluctant to sell Jacquet.
It is going to cost big money to sign Jacquet during this transfer window, which Chelsea do have.
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
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However, the Conference League holders are not going to be held to ransom despite being eager to bring the central defender to Stamford Bridge.
Jérémy Jacquet of France arrives before the UEFA European U19 Championship finals match between Spain and France
Photo By Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile via Getty Images
Chelsea have told Rennes they won’t pay over £60m for Jeremy Jacquet
It is being reported that Rennes could be prepared to sell Jacquet for around £57m this month.
According to journalist Simon Phillips, though, the Ligue 1 club were initially asking for a fee “north of £60m”.
Chelsea were quick to inform their French counterparts that they would not pay that amount of money for the 20-year-old, Phillips shared on Si Phillips Talks Chelsea.
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Split image of Borussia Dortmund's Aaron Anselmino and Rennes' Jeremy Jacquet
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A £57m transfer fee is still a lot of money for a young defender who has never played in the Premier League before.
The Blues would be taking a huge gamble at a time when they really need to be signing proven and experienced players.
Reece James is showing more leadership these days, while the likes of Robert Sanchez and Tosin Adarabioyo are not babies. But Chelsea’s squad is still one lacking leaders and seasoned professionals. Jacquet’s potential addition will not address that issue.
Jérémy Jacquet of France during the UEFA European Under-19 Championship 2024 Group B match
Photo by Ramsey Cardy – Sportsfile/UEFA via Getty Images
Jeremy Jacquet missed Rennes’ 1-1 draw with Le Havre
Jacquet’s Rennes side were in action on Sunday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Le Havre.
Jacquet missed the game but not because a move to Chelsea is imminent. The Frenchman was suspended after an accumulation of yellow cards.
He has also been sent off this season, so maybe Jacquet would fit right in at Chelsea amid their own disciplinary issues.
Liam Rosenior‘s side have already picked up seven red cards following Marc Cucurella’s dismissal earlier this month.
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