Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet is being ‘monitored’ by Chelsea ahead of the January transfer window, according to reports.
Jacquet was a target for Arsenal in the summer before the 20-year-old defender turned down the chance to join the Gunners back in August.
The France U21 international has shined for Ligue 1 side Rennes after breaking into their first-team and he is currently under contract until 2029.
It is understood that Rennes want €40m (£35m) in order to sell Jacquet, despite Transfermarkt valuing him significantly lower at €20m (£17.5m).
According to The Athletic, Jacquet is one of several players Chelsea are monitoring, with the youngster perfectly fitting their recruitment policy.
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Jacquet could potentially give Chelsea more options in central defence with Levi Colwill ruled out for the entire season following an ACL injury.
‘Jacquet is the technical leader of his generation’
Jacquet’s former development coach at Rennes, Pierre-Emmanuel Bordeau, has labelled the player as ‘the technical leader of his generation’.
Rennes head coach Habib Beye, speaking about his decision to recall Jacquet from a loan at Clermont, added: ‘He has a huge margin to grow, given his age.
‘When we brought him back, we were convinced that he would be the player that you see right here, and he will be even better in a few months.’
Jacquet has shined for France’s youth teams on the international stage and was named in the UEFA European Under-19 Championship Team of the Tournament in 2024.
Rennes’ sporting director, Loic Desire, speaking earlier this year, said: ‘He has great qualities.
‘Particularly athleticism and [he] exudes a great deal of confidence and strength for his age.
‘We hope that he will go very far and continue to progress with Rennes.’
Jacquet has made 15 starts for Rennes this season in the French top-flight.
He missed their last Ligue 1 match, a 3-1 win over Brest, because of an indirect card suspension.
Rennes assistant manager Sebastian Bichard has described Jacquet as ‘dominant, easy, without ever being nonchalant’.
Arnaud Pouille, Rennes’ Executive Chairman, has branded Jacquet as ‘very intelligent’ and a ‘talented young man’.
