Chelsea And Arsenal Intensify Pursuit Of Rennes Star Jacquet

The January 2026 transfer window is heating up, and the spotlight has landed firmly on Rennes’ young centre-back Jeremy Jacquet. At just 20 years old, Jacquet has become one of the most sought-after defensive prospects in European football, with a growing list of suitors that includes Premier League heavyweights Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, and even Spanish giants Real Madrid. The latest developments suggest that the battle for Jacquet’s signature could define the coming months, with Chelsea and Arsenal both ramping up their interest as the window progresses.

Jacquet’s name has been circulating among top clubs since last year, when Arsenal first made their intentions clear. The Gunners, led by manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta, have kept a close eye on the Frenchman’s progress. According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal are "huge fans" of Jacquet and see him as a potential replacement for Ben White, who could be on the move this summer. Despite already boasting a formidable stable of centre-halves—including William Saliba, Gabriel, Cristhian Mosquera, Piero Hincapie, Riccardo Calafiori, and Jurrien Timber—the North London club is leaving nothing to chance as they look to the future.

However, Arsenal’s pursuit is not without its challenges. With Jacquet’s growing reputation, competition has intensified. Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Real Madrid are all monitoring the situation closely. Rennes, for their part, appear content to let a bidding war unfold, but have made it clear that any deal will have to wait until the summer. "Rennes are said to be happy for a bidding war to ensue, and while such a transfer will not be sanctioned in January, it appears there could be a fierce battle brewing for the centre-back," reports TEAMtalk. The club’s willingness to wait may only drive up Jacquet’s price tag as more teams throw their hats into the ring.

For Arsenal, convincing Jacquet of regular first-team football could prove to be the biggest hurdle. With so many established options already at the club, the Frenchman may hesitate to make a move that could limit his playing time. Andrea Berta is reportedly monitoring this aspect closely, knowing that the promise of development and minutes on the pitch will be key in persuading Jacquet to choose North London over other destinations.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have dramatically shifted their transfer strategy under new head coach Liam Rosenior. Initially planning to address their defensive needs in the summer, the Blues have now prioritized signing a centre-back in the current window. The change comes after a frustrating summer for former manager Enzo Maresca, who publicly lamented the club’s inability to bring in reinforcements following Levi Colwill’s serious ACL injury. This time, Chelsea’s hierarchy appears determined not to repeat the same mistake.

According to The Telegraph, Chelsea’s focus is on ball-playing centre-halves who can slot seamlessly into Rosenior’s possession-based philosophy. Two names have emerged as primary targets: Jeremy Jacquet and Como’s Jacobo Ramón. While Ramón’s situation is complicated by Real Madrid’s sell-on and buy-back clauses, Jacquet is seen as a more attainable target—despite having recently signed a new contract with Rennes and rejecting Arsenal’s approach last summer. Ligue 1 journalist Santi Aouna confirmed Jacquet’s decision to turn down Arsenal, but Chelsea are hoping to succeed where their rivals failed.

The Blues’ interest is far from casual. Renowned reporter Simon Phillips revealed, "Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes is a player Chelsea have followed closely and admired for some time. Only a few days ago, we reported that Chelsea have spoken to Jacquet’s agent twice since Christmas." These repeated talks underline Chelsea’s intent to get a deal over the line, with the club’s recruitment team working overtime to secure Rosenior’s preferred defensive profile before the window closes.

What makes Jacquet such a hot commodity? For starters, his performances in Ligue 1 have been nothing short of outstanding. Having come through the Stade Rennais academy, Jacquet has cemented his place as a regular starter, missing only one league match this season—and that solely due to suspension. His durability and consistency have not gone unnoticed, with Como scout Ben Mattinson publicly describing him as a "Rolls Royce" and "world football’s next highly coveted star in that position." Jacquet’s spotless fitness record and ability to read the game have made him a dream target for clubs seeking both immediate impact and long-term value.

Chelsea’s urgency is further fueled by the current state of their squad. With defensive options stretched and the club also considering moves for a new midfielder and versatile attacker in 2026, the need for a reliable centre-back has become the immediate priority. Outgoings are also expected, with Tyrique George and Filip Jorgensen linked with exits and Facundo Buonanotte having already joined Leeds United on loan. Rosenior, who took over last week, is eager to assess his squad but has not ruled out bringing in "one or two new players" before the end of January.

The January transfer window, however, is notoriously tricky for major deals—a fact highlighted by the relatively quiet activity among Europe’s elite clubs. As reported in the latest transfer notebook, "It’s never easy to get business done in January for a variety of reasons." Manchester City’s own struggles to land Marc Guehi underscore just how challenging it can be to secure top targets mid-season. Yet, with the stakes rising and the competition intensifying, both Chelsea and Arsenal are pushing hard to make something happen—if not now, then certainly in the summer.

For Jacquet, the coming months will be pivotal. He must weigh the lure of the Premier League against the guarantees of regular football and continued development at Rennes. With both Chelsea and Arsenal offering compelling projects—and other giants waiting in the wings—the young defender finds himself at the heart of a transfer saga that could reshape the defensive lines of one of England’s biggest clubs.

As the transfer window edges closer to its conclusion, all eyes remain on Jeremy Jacquet and the high-stakes contest for his signature. Whether a deal materializes in January or the drama is postponed until summer, one thing is certain: Jacquet’s next move will be among the most closely watched in European football, and the outcome could have a profound impact on the ambitions of his suitors for years to come.