Chelsea get huge Jeremy Jacquet discount – but there’s a catch

Robin Bairner

21 Jan 2026 07:15 CST
3 min read

Chelsea have experienced an unexpected twist in their bid to sign Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes.

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Liam Rosenior’s side have targeted an additional centre-back during the January transfer window to help stabilise the Blues’ defence.

While there have been several names on the shortlist of the Stamford Bridge side, Jacquet had emerged as a huge favourite to move to London.

Personal terms have already been agreed between Jacquet and the Premier League side, but there is no agreement between the clubs – and this is where things could get complicated.

Jeremy Jacquet to Chelsea: What’s the state of play?

Chelsea are expected to launch a first bid of €50 million for Jacquet, who has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €17.8m. Rennes want a club-record fee of €65m+, but it appears that the Blues are reticent to match this, RMC reports.

A workaround that suits both parties is possible, however.

In order to keep their initial costs down, Chelsea are willing to buy Jacquet immediately but loan him back to Rennes for the remainder of the season. They are hopeful that this will allow them to buy the player for their preferred €50m fee.

Chelsea have already solved on problem

One major hurdle to this plan has already been cleared. Chelsea have struggled for international loan spots due to the number of players they have at other clubs, including BlueCo sister team Strasbourg.

They have, however, recalled David Datro Fofana from his temporary move to ___ , while Kendry Paez seems to be on his way back to England after an unsuccessful spell in France. The plan is to loan him out elsewhere in the country.

Rennes go public: We don’t want Jacquet to leave!

Rennes head coach Habib Beye has already commented on the possible sale of the player.

“I believe that today, he’s a very important player for our objectives, and if we were to sell him tomorrow, we were to let him go, we would have to lower our expectations,” he said.

“He’s a key player for us, one of the best on our team, so we have to resist any moves.”

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