Chelsea are stepping up their plans in the January transfer window as they look to strengthen their defensive options ahead of the second half of the season.
Chelsea’s interest comes amid growing concerns over defensive depth at Stamford Bridge. As softfootball earlier reported, the club has been actively considering a move for a central defender this window, with injuries and inconsistency exposing the need for reinforcements at the back.
According to Fabrizio Romano via his official X handle, Chelsea have already agreed personal terms with Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, who has emerged as the club’s clear priority target at the heart of defence.
Chelsea have agreed personal terms with Jeremy Jacquet, the clear main target at centre back.
Contract ready, player keen and talks ongoing with Rennes asking for club record sale fee around €65m. CFC bid currently lower. A mission to France already took place.
Talks between Chelsea and Rennes are ongoing, with the French club holding out for a club-record sale fee of around €65m, while Chelsea’s current offer remains below that valuation. Despite the gap, negotiations are progressing, and the player is understood to be keen on the move after Chelsea officials travelled to France for direct discussions.
If completed, Jacquet would become the first signing of the Liam Rosenior era at Chelsea. The former Strasbourg boss joined the club earlier this year on a six-year deal, following the departure of Enzo Maresca, and is already looking to put his stamp on the squad.
With the contract terms agreed on the player’s side and Chelsea pushing to close the gap with Rennes, attention now turns to whether the Blues can strike a deal that satisfies all parties and kick-start Rosenior’s rebuild with a statement defensive addition.
