Chelsea told they must pay at least £55million to sign key January transfer target

Chelsea will have to fork out at least £55million to sign 20-year-old target Jeremy Jacquet, talkSPORT understands.

The Blues are locked in talks with Rennes over a January deal for the France Under-21 international centre-back, who is regarded as one of Europe’s most exciting young players.

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Chelsea are optimistic of bolstering their options at the back having missed Levi Colwill for the entire campaign due to an ACL injury he suffered in pre-season.

Blues chiefs have held fire on signing any defensive reinforcements until now, but the ongoing struggles of Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana have seen them pivot.

Chelsea have been on the lookout for a new starting centre-back and view Jacquet as the perfect mix of youth and talent – capable of starting straight away in Liam Rosenior’s side, but also has a high ceiling to improve even further.

The west London club are in club-to-club talks with Rennes over a swoop for the French youngster, but they have been told they will need to pay big to secure their target.

According to talkSPORT sources, Rennes are hoping to agree a club-record sale for Jacquet, who has a contract that runs until 2029.

The Ligue 1 side are hoping for a fee surpassing the €64m [around £55m] Manchester City handed over for Jermey Doku in the summer of 2023.

It remains to be seen whether Chelsea are prepared to go that high, but there is hope from the Blues’ side that a deal can be struck before the January window closes on February 2.

Chelsea aren’t the only club with a historical interest in the 20-year-old, who starred as France reached the final of the U19 Euros in 2024.

Premier League and London rivals Arsenal were linked with Jacquet last summer and were even said to have made initial contact over a possible deal.

However, those links came about amid uncertainty over defensive partners William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, who later both signed new contracts to commit their futures to the Gunners.

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With Arsenal ultimately deciding not to pursue Jacquet further, Chelsea have pounced and are keen to be the club to bring the talented starlet to the capital.

Who is Jeremy Jacquet?

A product of Rennes’ academy system, where he came through the ranks alongside PSG star Desire Doue, Tottenham Hotspur forward Mathys Tel and ex-Chelsea midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu, Jacquet enjoyed a breakout season for his boyhood club last term.

Making his Rennes debut in January 2024, he was then sent out on loan to Ligue 1 rivals Clermont for the rest of the campaign.

His loan club was relegated that year, but Jacquet had impressed so much that his stay was extended for the whole of the 2024/25 to gain some valuable experience in Ligue 2.

However, his time in the second division lasted just 17 appearances – he had played so well that his parent club decided to recall him and throw him straight into their first-team, where he played the rest of the campaign back in Ligue 1.

He played 11 games following his return to Rennes and showed his versatility by playing at centre-back and right-back.

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Saliba comparisons – ‘A technical leader’

Regular observers of Jacquet have praised his composure and comfort with the ball at his feat.

He is also strong aerially and very quick.

These attributes have led to comparisons with Arsenal and France centre-back Saliba.

They also share the same birthplace – the Parisian suburb of Bondy.

One of Rennes’ development coaches even described Jacquet as ‘the technical leader of his generation’.