Rennes Boss Issues Stark Transfer Warning to Chelsea Over Jeremy Jacquet Pursuit

Rennes boss Habib Beye has urged his club to turn down Chelsea's bid for promising defender Jérémy Jacquet.

After deciding to target a centre-back for new coach Liam Rosenior six months following Enzo Maresca's unsuccessful transfer request, Chelsea compiled a shortlist before quickly identifying Jacquet as their top choice.

Negotiations have taken place between both clubs and it's understood that Jacquet has already agreed personal terms with Chelsea.

Only a transfer fee agreement remains, with Rennes reportedly seeking a sum significantly exceeding their current record sale - Jérémy Doku's €60 million (£52 million, $69.7 million) move to Manchester City.

Though such funds would be difficult for a club like Rennes to turn down, Beye encouraged his superiors to retain Jacquet for at least the rest of this campaign.

"I think Jérémy is crucial to our goals, and should he depart, we'd need to adjust those ambitions downward, as he's an essential player for us, among our finest," Beye stated.

"We must be capable of withstanding these types of offers. There are multiple elements outside my influence in this situation. We'll observe what unfolds over the next few days."

Chelsea 'All in' for Blockbuster Deal

Chelsea 'All in' for Blockbuster Deal

Jacquet's professional journey remains in its early stages. The 20-year-old has only just reached his 30th Ligue 1 outing but his outstanding performances this campaign have drawn numerous elite clubs to pursue him.

Arsenal and Real Madrid are among those reportedly interested in Jacquet but Chelsea aim to act swiftly and secure the French talent this January before competing clubs make their moves during the summer window. Per Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are "all in" on this transfer.

This transfer, as usual, may hinge on the financial aspects. Rennes were initially said to want €65 million but could now be seeking up to €70 million. Such a price would rank Jacquet as the seventh most costly acquisition in Chelsea's history.

Also being evaluated are Como's Jacobo Ramón, who's anticipated to have his buy-back clause activated by Real Madrid this summer, and Bournemouth's Marcos Senesi. The Argentine is in his contract's final six months and, at 28, would be the eldest player in Liam Rosenior's squad.