The 20-year-old Frenchman has seen his profile skyrocket this season, leading to direct comparisons with Arsenal’s William Saliba due to his composure, physical profile, and shared upbringing in the Paris suburbs.
Serious Interest from the Bridge
According to reports from Le Parisien and club insiders, Chelsea have "repeatedly mobilized" scouts to watch Jacquet in Ligue 1 action over the last month. The interest is described as "very serious," with the Blues currently viewed as the frontrunners to secure his signature.
Key Scouting Details:
• Technical Profile: Standing at 191cm, Jacquet is noted for his elite aerial ability (winning 72.5% of duels) and high-level interception rate, ranking in the 97th percentile for his position.
• The Saliba Comparison: Much like the Arsenal star, Jacquet is praised for his "ice-cold" composure under pressure and his ability to progress the ball from the back, recording an 88% pass completion rate this term.
• Season Stats: Jacquet has been an "indispensable" regular for Rennes manager Habib Beye, making 15 Ligue 1 appearances and helping the side maintain a strong defensive record before a recent red card against PSG.
A Battle for the 'Next Saliba'
Chelsea are not alone in their pursuit. Arsenal were the first English club to register interest in Jacquet last summer, viewing him as the ideal deputy to Saliba himself. Liverpool, Manchester United, and Real Madrid are also reportedly monitoring his development as they look to refresh their defensive options for the 2026 season.
Rennes, however, remain firm. The French club, which has a reputation for producing elite talent like Eduardo Camavinga and Ousmane Dembélé, is desperate to keep Jacquet until at least the end of the current season. He is currently under contract until June 2029, giving the Breton club significant leverage in negotiations.
Strategic Overhaul at Chelsea
The move for Jacquet aligns with Chelsea’s recent transfer policy of acquiring elite U21 talent. Sources suggest that if a deal is struck, it could signal the end of the road for older defensive options like Tosin Adarabioyo or Benoît Badiashile, as Enzo Maresca seeks to build a backline around youth and technical security.
While a January move remains difficult due to Rennes' reluctance to sell mid-season, Chelsea are reportedly laying the groundwork for a massive summer offensive to ensure the "Next Saliba" ends up at Stamford Bridge rather than the Emirates.