Chelsea are still pushing for a deal to sign Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet before the end of the January window, with the Frenchman keen on a move to Stamford Bridge.
The 20-year-old centre-back has impressed admirers in West London ever since he was recalled by Rennes at the start of the year from a loan spell with Clermont Foot, in France’s second division.
Jacquet has clocked up 29 senior appearances for Rennes since. As a result, his form has caught Chelsea’s eye, and the Blues have accelerated summer plans to bring him to the Premier League.
Although the Blues have reportedly agreed personal terms with Jeremy Jacquet, a deal still hinges on whether Chelsea are willing to meet Rennes’ demands and spend £60M ($80.4M) on Jacquet this window.
What Jeremy Jacquet have told the Rennes hierarchy as Chelsea court him
Influential journalist Ben Jacobs have now reported that Jeremy Jacquet is interested in a Chelsea move and has personally informed the Rennes hierarchy he wants to go.
Jacobs told CFC Gem’s Live Show on X:
“Jacquet has amicably told Rennes that he would like the Chelsea move this Winter. I’m told personal terms are not a problem, but formally, they’re not in place.
“Personal terms are not a problem, but this isn’t a scenario where the player, I’m told, is going to be disrespectful to Rennes or throw his toys out of the pram.”
Although Rennes manager Habib Beye has publicly stated that he does not want to sell; if Rennes gets a fee north of the figure they received from Man City for Jeremy Doku, then the France U21 defender will be on his way.
What Chelsea coach Liam Rosenior said about Jacquet
The Blues new head coach was asked by reporters about a move for Jacquet during his press conference on Tuesday. However, Rosenior’s reply was very tip-lipped and a political one.
He reminded the reporters that he would never speak about another club’s current player, as it is considered disrespectful.
“I don’t speak about players at other clubs,” Rosenior said. “Until something is agreed then I think it is so disrespectful. Whether it is true or not. I will speak about it at the right time.”
Nonetheless, the focus for Rosenior at Chelsea right now will be on tonight’s UCL clash against Greek club Pafos. A win will see Rosenior become only the third of Chelsea’s last 10 managers to win their first Champions League match as head coach.
