Ligue 1 hotshot Jeremy Jacquet is keen on a move to Chelsea over Liverpool and his other suitors, as per reports. The talented centre-back has been one of the most spoken-about in Europe this month, with several clubs vying to sign him from Rennes.
Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol has reported that the 20-year-old French youth international is most interested in a move to Stamford Bridge. The Blues remain in talks with Rennes over a deal to sign him, but an agreement is not close as the French side are keen to keep him until the summer.
Chelsea and Liverpool are among a host of sides to have established direct contact with Rennes over a deal for Jacquet this month, and they have learned of the fee involved. The French club are looking to receive in excess of the €60 million they received for Jeremy Doku. They are keen to hold onto the defender until the end of the season due to their pursuit of UEFA Champions League football, and he is contracted until 2029.
The Blues identified the 20-year-old as their ideal target to strengthen their backline for new head coach Liam Rosenior this month. With only a week left in the transfer window, they have recalled Aaron Anselmino from his loan spell at Borussia Dortmund as an option in case they fail to land Jacquet.
Liverpool want the rangy defender to join their squad, having failed in their attempts to sign Marc Guehi last summer and this month. They are not the only other side to be linked to the talented youngster, with Bayern Munich also keeping close tabs on his situation.
Chelsea have done a great deal of business in Ligue 1 in recent years, with the likes of Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi, Malo Gusto, and coach Rosenior coming from French clubs. Jacquet will be attracted by their strong French contingent as well as the club's growing status among sides in the world.
Chelsea edge Liverpool, Manchester United to teenage star
Chelsea have announced the signing of highly-rated teenage defender Yisa Alao on a permanent deal from Sheffield Wednesday. The Blues beat competition from rivals Liverpool and Manchester United for the talented left-back this month.
Alao joins the academy setup of the Blues after they splashed out a fee of over £500,000 plus significant add-ons for his services. The 17-year-old played five senior games for Wednesday, featuring in the Championship despite his youth.
Chelsea have signed Alao for the future, anticipating a move for him amid interest from Liverpool and Manchester United this month. The Doncaster-born youngster has signed a deal until 2028 with the Blues, a significant move for him just six months after his professional debut.