Chelsea are still working hard to bring in defensive reinforcements. Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet has landed at the top of their list this window. Ben Jacobs reports via @talkSPORT that talks are ongoing between the Blues and the French club. The player himself is very keen on a move to Stamford Bridge.
High Stakes for Chelsea and Jacquet
However, the price tag from Rennes is a major sticking point. The Ligue 1 side seem to want even more than the €64m Manchester City paid them for Jeremy Doku. This massive asking price puts a lot of pressure on Chelsea’s negotiators. They have to decide if the young French defender is worth a price that would beat what the club paid for proven, world-class stars.
If the Jacquet deal falls through because of these high demands, the West London club have two other names ready to help the defence. Como’s Jacobo Ramon and Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi are on this backup list. Neither move looks simple. Real Madrid still make things tricky for Ramon, who only joined Como last summer. The Spanish giants have a buyback option and might use it at the end of the season.
Meanwhile, Marcos Senesi is a completely different case as his contract runs out this summer. His situation makes him a smart financial choice. However, reports suggest that Chelsea or other teams haven’t actually made an official move for the Bournemouth defender yet.
Assessing the Right Fit for Stamford Bridge
Picking the right player means weighing up immediate help against long-term value. Jacquet fits the club’s recent plan of signing high-potential youngsters. However, a fee over €64m feels way too high for a player who is still making a name for himself. Paying that kind of money puts a huge amount of pressure on a young player.
On the flip side, the Argentine Senesi knows the Premier League and offers a left-footed option. That’s something top-flight defences often lack. He also wouldn’t cost a fortune. Getting him for free makes him a low-risk signing who could steady the ship right away, unlike the more speculative younger targets.
Jacobo Ramon is the wildcard here. While he is clearly talented, Real Madrid’s buyback clause makes things risky. Chelsea could put time into his development only to see him head back to the Bernabéu.
So, Chelsea will likely keep pushing Rennes until the window nearly shuts. If the French club won’t budge on the price, the Blues will probably turn to Senesi. He’s a practical, cheap fix to fill the gap until summer. This avoids a massive bill for Jacquet or a messy fight for Ramon.
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Nitish Bhan
Nitish is a football journalist with over 12 years of experience covering the Premier League and global football. He combines data-driven reporting with tactical analysis to deliver in-depth coverage for readers who want more than just match reports. A marketing graduate and lifelong football addict, Nitish has contributed to Sportskeeda,…