Jeremy Jacquet's Chelsea Preference Shapes January Transfer Saga
French football's rising defensive star Jeremy Jacquet has privately expressed a strong preference for a move to Chelsea this January, despite significant interest from European giants Liverpool and Bayern Munich. The 20-year-old centre-back, currently with Rennes, finds himself at the centre of a high-stakes transfer battle as the window draws to a close.
Chelsea's Persistent Pursuit of Defensive Reinforcement
Chelsea have identified Jacquet as their primary defensive target, having extensively scouted the promising youngster over recent months. The Blues, eager to strengthen their backline, have already agreed personal terms with the France Under-21 international according to widespread reports earlier this month. However, negotiations with Rennes have stalled over the transfer fee, creating an opening for rival clubs.
Rennes are holding firm on their valuation of approximately £56 million, while Chelsea's hierarchy have shown reluctance to exceed £50 million for the defender. This financial impasse has allowed Bayern Munich and Liverpool to maintain hope that they could still secure Jacquet's signature before the deadline passes.
Rennes' Determination to Retain Their Star Defender
Rennes head coach Habib Beye has made his position clear regarding Jacquet's potential departure. "I believe that today he is a very important player for our objectives," Beye told reporters recently. "If tomorrow we were to let him go, we would have to lower our expectations."
The former Newcastle and Aston Villa defender acknowledged the difficulty of resisting approaches from elite clubs while emphasising Jacquet's importance to his team. "He is one of the best players in our team and so we have to resist that approach," Beye added, though he conceded he cannot control all factors in the situation.
Potential Compromise Solutions Emerge
One possible resolution being discussed involves Chelsea completing a transfer this winter before immediately loaning Jacquet back to Rennes for the remainder of the season. This arrangement would allow the young defender to continue his development in familiar surroundings while giving Chelsea certainty about securing their long-term target.
Beye has argued that keeping Jacquet at Rennes for now would benefit all parties involved. "In five months, he'll be even more accomplished, and so, [if he stays] it can be beneficial for everyone, for the club, for Jeremy, and for the club that might come looking for him," the Rennes coach explained.
Jacquet's Rapid Rise in French Football
Currently enjoying only his second full professional season, Jacquet has quickly established himself as one of French football's most promising young defenders. His impressive performances attracted attention from Arsenal last summer, though Chelsea have since emerged as frontrunners for his signature.
With his current contract running through to June 2029, Rennes find themselves in a strong negotiating position despite the player's apparent preference for a move to Stamford Bridge. The coming days will determine whether Chelsea can meet Rennes' valuation or if Liverpool or Bayern Munich can capitalise on the stalled negotiations to secure the talented defender's services.
