Chelsea have opened negotiations with Rennes for centre-back Jérémy Jacquet, sources told ESPN. The Blues initially planned a quiet January before summer reinforcements, but rival interest in the 20-year-old France under-21 international has accelerated their timeline. Rennes are demanding over €60 million, with Jacquet's contract running until 2029.

Personal terms are not expected to be an issue, and Chelsea aim to progress talks in the coming days. The move follows a summer where former coach Enzo Maresca was told no central defender would be added after Levi Colwill's injury. Chelsea had pursued Dean Huijsen, who joined Real Madrid, opting to wait for top targets.

Should a deal for Jacquet collapse, Chelsea could revisit Bournemouth's Marcos Senesi, whose contract expires this season. The club also holds interest in Como's Jacobo Ramón. This pursuit addresses a key defensive need, though Chelsea's spending is complicated by UEFA financial sanctions.