Real Madrid have made it a priority to reinforce the centre-back department in the summer transfer window later this year.
With David Alaba expected to leave, Antonio Rudiger’s feaure uncertain, and Eder Militao’s continued injury woes, it is seen as a crucial piece of business by Los Blancos.
Several names have been linked as potential targets, one of whom happens to be young Jeremy Jacquet of Rennes.
Indeed, the 20-year-old starlet is one of the most coveted young defenders in Europe and features high on Real Madrid’s shortlist for the summer.
Chelsea make a move for Jacquet
However, in a major development, Fabrizio Romano reports that Chelsea have held club-to-club talks with Rennes to sign Jacquet in the ongoing January transfer window.
The Blues, having brought in a new manager recently in Liam Rosenior to replace Enzo Maresca, have decided to strengthen their options in the centre-back position.
And, Jacquet happens to be one of the names that Chelsea are pursuing, with two other players also on their radar.
Jeremy Jacquet, Rennes player
Chelsea open talks for Jeremy Jacquet. (Picture courtesy: Instagram/@j.jacquet97)
As such, they have opened talks with Rennes over a possible move for the 20-year-old Frenchman over the past 24 hours.
Meanwhile, Florian Plettenberg of Sky Germany reports that Bayern Munich, too, are very much interested in Jacquet, with their sporting director Christoph Freund and Max Eberl holding the youngster in very high regard.
However, the Bavarians believe that an operation for the 20-year-old would be unlikely as he would command a transfer fee of over €50 million.
But, with Chelsea pushing ahead and opening talks with Rennes over a move, Real Madrid are now staring at the possibility missing out on one of their prime targets for the summer transfer window.
With moves for Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konate also ruled out and Marc Guehi headed to Manchester City, it remains to be seen who Real Madrid go for in the market.