Jacquet is Chelsea's prime targetplaceholder image
Jacquet is Chelsea's prime target | AFP via Getty Images
Chelsea are now set to get a clear run at their primary centre-back target.
Chelsea may now have a clear run at their prime target in the final hours of the January transfer window. The Blues and their rivals have until 7pm on Monday to finish off any transfer business, and it’s clear what and who the Blues are focusing on.
Liam Rosenior wants to add strength to his centre-back group, and Rennes star Jeremy Jacquet is the clear target. The 20-year-old has impressed in Ligue 1 and fits the Chelsea recruitment strategy, which revolves around signing young players with big upside, both in terms of development and value.
Rennes have played hardball in negotiations, naturally wanting to keep their star defender, especially with just under half a season still to play, but it now looks as though Chelsea have an opening due to the player wanting to leave.
In his latest update, Fabrizio Romano posted on X: “The battle for Jeremy Jacquet remains very much ongoing at this stage. Understand Liverpool and Chelsea are both in talks with Rennes and player’s camp for the defender. Bayern unlikely. Jacquet would only join in July 2026, as Rennes want.”
Liverpool boss Arne Slot then stirred the pot by saying on Saturday night; “I think there’s always a lot of talks about Liverpool and a lot of talks about Liverpool players. There was a lot of noise around the club the last week, [or] maybe I should say weeks. I think our fans showed today what noise really means – that’s being loud, because they were so helpful today.
“So that is what noise here is in Liverpool. I think we are trying to strengthen the squad and not trying to weaken it. Forty-eight hours, I don’t know how long to go, but let’s see when the window ends.”
Chelsea handed Liverpool boost
In a fresh boost for Chelsea, it now looks as though Liverpool will chase a different centre-back in Feyenoord star Lutsharel Geertruida. Romano posted on X: “EXCLUSIVE: Liverpool, in talks to sign Lutsharel Geertruida as new defender. Initial contacts took place with Sunderland as Arne Slot knows him well since Feyenoord times. #LFC in club to club negotiations.”
Geertruida is currently on loan with Sunderland, making 17 league appearances so far this season, and Liverpool would likely have to pay Sunderland compensation to end the loan deal early, and that would be on top of any fee Feyenoord would demand to sell the 25-year-old. The defender has made 19 appearances for the Netherlands to date.
Chelsea could now get a clear run at Jacquet, and their biggest task will likely be convincing Rennes to sell and for a not too expensive fee.
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