The 20-year-old French international, who has established himself as a key starter for Rennes in Ligue 1 this season, has emerged as Chelsea’s priority defensive target amid ongoing vulnerabilities at the back. Injuries to Levi Colwill (long-term ACL recovery) and Wesley Fofana (recurring fitness issues), combined with inconsistent performances from others like Benoît Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah, have left the hierarchy convinced a high-quality addition is essential now rather than waiting until summer.
Multiple reliable sources, including RMC Sport (via journalist Fabrice Hawkins), CaughtOffside, and ESPN, confirm Chelsea have already opened direct club-to-club talks with Rennes over a potential January move. The Blues are ready to submit an initial formal offer in the region of €50 million (£43.4m / $58m), demonstrating strong belief in Jacquet’s long-term potential as a ball-playing, composed defender who fits Rosenior’s preferred build-from-the-back style. Jacquet’s rapid rise—starting regularly for Rennes since breaking through—has attracted interest from Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Manchester United, and others, but Chelsea appear the most advanced.
However, Rennes are in a commanding position: Jacquet is contracted until 2029 with no release clause, and the club (currently sixth in Ligue 1 and chasing European qualification under manager Habib Beye) have no urgency to sell mid-season. Sources close to Rennes insist they will demand more than €60 million—potentially up to €65-70m—to part with their prized asset, viewing any departure as a record sale that could eclipse Jérémy Doku’s €60m move to Manchester City in 2023. Rennes have reportedly told intermediaries that figures below €60m aren’t even under discussion, framing negotiations as tough.
This proactive stance aligns with Rosenior’s early priorities since replacing Enzo Maresca on January 1. The new boss has emphasized defensive stability in his possession-oriented system, with recent clean sheets (e.g., 2-0 vs Brentford on January 17) providing momentum despite squad challenges like a virus outbreak. Chelsea’s hierarchy, including sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, see Jacquet as an elite youth investment—similar to their strategy with talents like Cole Palmer and Moisés Caicedo—offering immediate impact and resale value.
Broader context shows Chelsea’s January window remains targeted rather than splashy: no major incomings confirmed as of January 20, 2026, with activity focused on defensive reinforcements amid potential outgoings (e.g., links to selling Enzo Fernández). Alternatives like Como’s Jacobo Ramón (with Real Madrid’s buy-back clause) and Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi are on the shortlist if Rennes talks stall, but Jacquet is the clear No.1 choice.
Fan reaction in Lagos and globally has been mixed: excitement over bold backing for Rosenior and addressing long-standing backline issues, but caution over the high fee for a relatively unproven talent in the Premier League. With the window closing February 2, 2026, Chelsea could yet force Rennes’ hand with an improved offer, but a deal this month looks challenging given the French club’s stance.
If finalized, Jacquet would represent a significant statement from Boehly and Clearlake Capital—investing heavily to support Rosenior’s vision and stabilize defense for the second half of the season, including Champions League progress and cup runs. For now, talks continue, with Chelsea pushing hard to land their top target before deadline day.
