Chelsea make strong move for exciting Arsenal target

Tom Weber

• 19 Dec 2025 16:45 CST
• 3 min read

News

Chelsea are the latest club to show an interest in Arsenal target Jeremy Jacquet of Stade Rennais, according to French media.

The 20-year-old was the subject of a summer bid from the Gunners due to the uncertainty surrounding William Saliba. The latter was heavily courted by Real Madrid, but Arsenal ultimately managed to convince him not only to stay but even to sign a new long-term contract.

With Saliba going nowhere, Jacquet opted to stay and continue his development at Rennes, where he was guaranteed game time despite his youth. It has proved to be a shrewd decision as he has gone from strength to strength.

The France U21 international has played every available minute for the Breton club this term, although he did miss last weekend's game against Stade Brestois after picking up a second yellow card late in the match with PSG the week prior.

As a result of his positive development this season, a host of new suitors have emerged. At various points over the past few weeks, the centre-back has been linked with Man Utd, Liverpool and Real Madrid.

Chelsea enter Jacquet race

Recent reports suggest that Arsenal remain interested in Jacquet despite his decision to turn them down in the summer. It has even been posited that they could launch a mid-season approach for him in January.

Now, Le Parisien reports that Chelsea have joined Jacquet's long list of admirers. In fact, the outlet goes so far as to suggest that Chelsea are currently the club most concretely interested in the youngster.

The 20-year-old has been scouted numerous times in the flesh this term, and their interest "goes beyond a simple phone call." This suggests that genuine discussions over a transfer have already taken place.

The report confirms that Jacquet's suitors would prefer to snap him up already in January. However, Rennes insist that their star defender is not available in the winter. He has become "indispensable" to head coach Habib Beye.

A transfer is more realistic in the summer. Although Jacquet is still under contract until 2029, the intensity with which interested clubs - particularly Chelsea - are courting him is a clear sign that a move is inevitable in 2026.

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