**Jeremy Jacquet is one of “three players” that Chelsea are considering to strengthen their defence, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.**
The Rennes centre-back is seemingly the Blues’ top target, but with a transfer fee having not been agreed, Romano has suggested that the London club could look at potential alternatives:
“Chelsea already went on their mission to France on Friday, still no agreement for Jacquet. Rennes want 65-70m euros, Chelsea want to spend less. Chelsea WILL sign a defender this window with three players on their shortlist.”
If Rennes do hold out for €70m (£61m), there is a good chance that Liam Rosenior’s side will switch their focus to another centre-back.
Who are the other defenders that Chelsea are targeting?
-------------------------------------------------------
The two names that have been mentioned as options are Como’s Jacobo Ramon and Toulouse’s Charlie Cresswell, and while both would be cheaper to sign than Jacquet, there are complications involved with those two deals as well.
Ramon was signed from Real Madrid last summer, and the La Liga giants have the option to buy him back at the end of the season. You can [**read more about it in our profile of the player here**](https://chelseanews.com/blog/chelsea-transfer-news-jacobo-ramon/).
Cresswell, meanwhile, has already been the subject of several bids from Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg. Their last offer, worth €20m (£17.4m), was turned down by Toulouse yesterday.
Why is the Jacquet deal so expensive?
-------------------------------------
Rennes are currently flying high in the Ligue One table, and they are just two points adrift of Lyon, who are in the last Champions League qualification spot.
Head coach Habib Beye has already expressed his desire to keep Jacquet, at least until the end of the season:
“If tomorrow we were to let him go, we would have to lower our expectations. When you have offers from such a club, it can make things a little hesitant. I’m very firm on this situation. He is an essential player for us.”
[**Read more about the Chelsea First Team Squad for 2025/26 here**](https://chelseanews.com/blog/chelsea-first-team-squad/)