Chelsea Agree Personal Terms with Jeremy Jacquet

CHELSEA PUSH FOR RENNES CB JÉRÉMY JACQUET AS TALKS TURN TO PRICE

Chelsea are making a strong move for Rennes’ 20-year-old centre-back Jérémy Jacquet, with early negotiations now centred on valuation.

Rennes are pushing for a record-level fee. Chelsea are weighing up whether to meet it now, or pivot to other options.

LAST UPDATED: Saturday, 17 January 2026

KEY DETAILS

Chelsea are in active talks with Rennes for Jérémy Jacquet, with discussions focused on his market value.

Rennes want more than €60m and are aiming for a club-record sale, with €70m being floated as the target.

Chelsea have indicated an opening offer around €50m, but it has not been officially submitted yet.

WHAT HAPPENED

Jacquet has become one of the most contested young defenders in this winter window, and Chelsea are being presented as the frontrunners.

The story has moved beyond “interest” and into real negotiation territory: Rennes are setting a premium, and Chelsea are trying to land a top-shortlist centre-back without paying the full “January tax” up front.

WHAT WE KNOW

Jacquet is 20, plays centre-back, and is under contract at Rennes until 2029.

He has played 16 Ligue 1 matches this season, making him far more “ready now” than the typical developmental defender signing.

WHAT WE’RE HEARING

Santi Aouna reports that Chelsea and Jacquet have reached a contractual agreement, with negotiations between the clubs ongoing.

Ben Jacobs adds that Jacquet has informed Rennes he would like to join Chelsea this winter.

The numbers being briefed are clear: Rennes want to smash their previous record sale, while Chelsea’s initial stance is closer to €50m, with room to move depending on how hard Rennes hold the line.

Separately, reporting in the Daily Mail claims Chelsea are cautiously optimistic they will sign an elite centre-back this month, and that the club’s scouting for that “central centre-back” profile predates any recent injury narrative.

WHY THIS MATTERS FOR CHELSEA

This reads like a priority signing, not a luxury. Chelsea want a centre-back this winter, and Jacquet is being framed as the number-one option at the top of their list.

It also lands at a time when Chelsea’s defensive planning is under a microscope. Liam Rosenior has already indicated injuries will not change the club’s January thinking, and he described Tosin’s issue as precautionary.

If Chelsea pay close to record money for a 20-year-old defender, it signals something important: this is not depth. It’s a starter-level bet, right now, with long-term upside baked in.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

The next step is simple: Chelsea formalise the opening bid, Rennes either reject and push the number higher, or negotiations find a middle ground.

If Rennes stay locked on a record fee, Chelsea’s “other options” become relevant fast — because January windows punish hesitation, especially when the selling club doesn’t need to sell.

QUICK CONTEXT

Age: 20

Height: 1.90m

Contract: Rennes, until 2029

This season: 16 Ligue 1 appearances

International: France Under-21, 5 caps