Liverpool and Chelsea battle for Rennes defender Jacquet

Liverpool and Chelsea are locked in a competition to sign Rennes center back Jeremy Jacquet, with both Premier League clubs making moves to secure the young defender ahead of the summer transfer window. The battle between the two English sides marks a significant moment in the ongoing reshaping of Liverpool's defense under manager Arne Slot.

Background

Jacquet, 20, has emerged as one of France's most promising defensive talents at Rennes, where he has developed rapidly over the past seasons. His performances have caught the attention of multiple top European clubs, but it is Liverpool and Chelsea who have moved most decisively in their pursuit.

Chelsea had already moved to agree personal terms with Jacquet earlier this month, positioning themselves as frontrunners for his signature. The deal being discussed would cost around €60 million at the end of the season, according to reports from those tracking the transfer market.

However, Liverpool's interest has intensified recently, particularly after the club missed out on Marc Guéhi to Manchester City. That setback appears to have prompted the Reds to accelerate their plans and directly challenge Chelsea for Jacquet's services.

"The battle for Jeremy Jacquet remains very much ongoing at this stage. Understand Liverpool and Chelsea are both in talks with Rennes and player's camp for the defender." – Transfer expert assessment

Rennes have made clear they will not allow Jacquet to leave during the January transfer window. The French club is adamant that any move will only happen in the summer, giving both Liverpool and Chelsea time to negotiate with the player and his representatives.

Key Details

Both Liverpool and Chelsea are engaged in talks with Rennes and Jacquet's camp, but the defender's preference remains a important factor in how this transfer saga will unfold. Reports indicate that Jacquet is keen on a move to Chelsea, despite being aware that other top clubs, including Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, have also expressed interest in his future.

Liverpool are attempting to convince Jacquet to turn down Chelsea and join Arne Slot's project at Anfield instead. The club has made a strong pitch to the young defender, emphasizing the opportunities available to him under Slot's management and the pathway to regular first-team football.

The Financial Picture

The transfer fee being discussed sits around €60 million, though negotiations could push that figure higher depending on how competitive the bidding becomes. For a 20-year-old defender with significant potential, this represents a substantial investment from either club.

Jacquet's versatility adds to his appeal. He can operate as a center back or play across the back line, giving managers flexibility in how they deploy him. This adaptability makes him an attractive target for clubs looking to strengthen their defensive options.

The Competition

While Bayern Munich has been mentioned as a potential suitor, reports suggest they are unlikely to make a serious move for the defender. This leaves the battle primarily between Liverpool and Chelsea, two clubs with the financial resources and appeal to attract top young talent.

Real Madrid's interest has also been noted, though their involvement appears less active than the English clubs at this stage. The Spanish giants have other priorities and may not push hard for Jacquet's signature.

What This Means

For Liverpool, the pursuit of Jacquet represents part of a broader defensive rebuild under Slot. The club has struggled with injuries and consistency in their back line this season, and bringing in a young, talented center back could provide long-term solutions to those problems.

The competition with Chelsea adds another layer to what has become an intense rivalry between the two clubs in the transfer market. Both are looking to strengthen their squads and challenge for major honors, making every signing a potential difference-maker.

For Jacquet himself, the interest from Liverpool and Chelsea represents a significant moment in his career. A move to either club would represent a major step up from Rennes and put him on a platform to compete at the highest levels of European football.

The coming months will be telling. With Rennes insistent that Jacquet will not leave until summer, both clubs have time to make their cases. How the defender responds to their pitches, and whether one club can offer something the other cannot, will ultimately determine where he ends up playing next season.