Chelsea have identified Stade Rennais’ Jérémy Jacquet as a target to strengthen their defence in the winter market.
Last week, Stade Rennais manager Habib Beye urged him to snub Chelsea and continue at the club.
Bayern Munich have also shown interest in the centre-back. Six days ago, Sport Witness covered claims of Chelsea’s rapid negotiations to sign him in January.
Two days later, Beye insisted Jacquet is calm amid the transfer noise. He also hinted the Ligue 1 side could sell the 20-year-old to the Premier League side.
L’Equipe now cover the latest on Chelsea’s efforts to try and sign the player this month.
The France U21 international missed the Ligue 1 side’s 1-1 draw against Le Havre due to suspension. He returned to the squad in their 2-0 defeat to FC Lorient on Saturday.
The Chelsea target played the full 90 minutes and had a ‘difficult’ match. Beye has also acknowledged this and L’Equipe relay his comments.
Head turned by Chelsea interest
“He wasn’t at his usual level, like others. He’s also a young player who’s experiencing a lot going on around him, and it’s possible he might have an off day,” he said.
In other words, the interest from Liam Rosenior’s side has distracted the Frenchman.
Stade Rennais have already rejected a €50m bid from the Blues. This is the same figure [excluding bonuses] that Paris Saint-Germain paid them for Désiré Doué in August 2024.
L’Equipe say it’s quite possible for the Club World Cup winners to return with an improved bid. They suggest the French club could accept it if it’s ‘slightly above €50m’. In short, the Blues are encouraged to raise their offer ‘slightly’ to secure Jacquet’s services.
The latest claims from the UK have stated Chelsea will recall Aaron Anselmino from his loan at Borussia Dortmund. Whether this impacts a move for Jacquet remains to be seen.