Who is Chelsea target Jeremy Jacquet and why do they want to sign him? | OneFootball

Chelsea are ramping up talks with Rennes over their young centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, so what could he offer the Blues and why do they want to sign him?

Jacquet very much fits Chelsea’s model. He is 20-years-old and able to play multiple positions, centre-back and right-back.

The Frenchman is six foot two inches, good in the air, and a true ball-playing centre-back.

That is seen as one of his key attributes and the reason Chelsea are bringing forward plans to sign a defender.

The Blues did initially want to wait until the summer but with Levi Colwill’s long-term injury the defence lacks a good ball-playing centre-back.

Wesley Fofana’s fitness continues to be carefully managed, meanwhile, with the Frenchman seemingly unable to play games in quick succession.

It was well known that Enzo Maresca wanted a centre-back last summer but did not get one, and Liam Rosenior is also keen to add a reinforcement to his backline now.

According to FBref, Jacquet ranks among the top 5% of centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for interceptions per game (1.69), and is in the top 17% for tackles per 90 minutes (1.95).

Jacquet’s ability to carry the ball out from defence is another trait that Chelsea could do with.

There could be a potential sticking point in the deal, with Rennes reportedly wanting £60m for the defender this month.

Chelsea are not thought to be willing to pay that much, and negotiations are currently ongoing.

There is competition for his signature, with Liverpool also very interested in the youngster, but according to BBC Sport, Jacquet would be keen on a move to Chelsea.