The January transfer window is heating up, with Manchester United formally entering the chase for Rennes' highly-rated defender, Jeremy Jacquet. The 20-year-old Frenchman is at the centre of a potential £35 million tug-of-war involving several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Chelsea.
The Three-Way Premier League Battle
According to reports, the Red Devils have identified Jacquet as a key defensive target. The club's interest comes at a time of uncertainty in their backline, with Harry Maguire's contract nearing its end and Lisandro Martínez's persistent injury issues causing concern. United, however, are far from alone in their pursuit.
The original news from CaughtOffside names a formidable list of suitors. Arsenal and Chelsea are also in the frame, alongside London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace. From abroad, Bundesliga side RB Leipzig is also monitoring the situation. Rennes are reportedly realistic about their young star's future and are prepared to sanction a sale for a fee between €30 million and €40 million (approximately £26m to £35m).
Why Crystal Palace Could Have the Upper Hand
While the glamour of clubs like Manchester United and Arsenal is undeniable, the path to regular first-team football may be clearer elsewhere. This is where Crystal Palace could hold a significant advantage in the race for Jacquet's signature.
Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirmed in October that key defender Marc Guéhi will not be signing a new contract and is set to leave the club, potentially as early as January. This creates a glaring vacancy in the heart of Palace's defence—a ready-made spot for a young, ambitious player like Jacquet to claim.
This aligns perfectly with the public advice given by Jacquet's own manager at Rennes. In September, head coach Habib Beye emphasised that Jacquet "must take on a more commanding role" and "needs to experience big moments [on the pitch] to progress his leadership." Consistent playing time at a Premier League club like Crystal Palace could be the ideal environment for this development.
Weighing Up the Options
For Jacquet, the January move presents a critical career decision. A transfer to a top-four contender like Arsenal or Manchester United offers immediate prestige and the chance to compete for major honours. The competition for places, however, would be fierce.
Conversely, a move to Selhurst Park would likely guarantee the one thing every young player needs: regular minutes in the world's most watched league. With a price tag that is considered reasonable for a player of his potential, the coming weeks will reveal whether Jacquet prioritises project stability or club stature.
