Chelsea’s marquee January signing could be about to slip through their fingers to one of their biggest Premier League rivals.
The Blues have been pushing hard to secure the signature of Jeremy Jacquet, with the defender being highly thought of coming through at Rennes.
Chelsea were running into issues in an attempt to add him to their squad in January though. The Ligue 1 side were holding out for a record fee.
We had the whole of January to sign Jeremy Jacquet and come up short 😡
Who is to blame for this?!
Fabrizio Romano update on Jeremy Jacquet
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Despite talks moving to a potential summer move, it looks as if it is Liverpool who have won the race to sign the centre-back.
Jeremy Jacquet of Rennes and teammates celebrate the victory
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Liverpool still worried about Chelsea hijack for Jeremy Jacquet
Even though the reigning Premier League champions have agreed a deal to sign him this summer, they are still concerned Chelsea could complete a late hijack.
Journalist Ben Jacobs said: “Liverpool reach an agreement in principle for Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet. £55m+£5m fee as exclusively revealed earlier.
“Jacquet is set to have a medical on Monday ahead of a summer move if all goes to plan. Still some caution from within Liverpool in case of a Chelsea hijack, but Liverpool trying to now finalise as quick as possible.”
The Blues have decided to recall Mamadou Sarr from Strasbourg, with Aaron Anselmino replacing him on loan with the fellow BlueCo club.
Moises Caicedo of Chelsea battles for possession with Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool
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Chelsea have hijacked big Liverpool move before
It is clear why Liverpool will not rest easy until Jacquet is through the door at Anfield – they’ve been stung in this situation before.
In an ideal world, who is walking through the door on Deadline Day?🤔
Which defender should Chelsea sign after Jeremy Jacquet blow
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In one of the biggest transfer sagas in recent years, the Reds looked as if they were going to complete a deal to sign Moises Caicedo, only for Chelsea to swoop in at the final moments to bring him to West London instead.
A young centre-back would likely prosper far more from a move to Liverpool, given the talent Chelsea have coming through in that position.
As well as Sarr and Anselmino, Josh Acheampong looks as if he is in for plenty of opportunities with Liam Rosenior in charge.
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