Chelsea have agreed personal terms with centre-back target Jeremy Jacquet, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Blues are in the market for a new defender this month with new head coach Liam Rosenior keen to bolster his options at the back.

Chelsea identify Jacquet as Colwill cover

Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca had previously spoken out about his disappointment at the club’s failure to sign a replacement for Levi Colwill.

Colwill suffered an ACL injury on the eve of the new season, but Chelsea failed to bring in a new defender as cover for the England international.

And Rosenior quickly identified the defence as an area in need of investment with the Blues hoping to bring Jacquet to Stamford Bridge this month.

Blues agree terms with French star

Chelsea are now believed to have agreed personal terms with Jacquet over a January switch to west London.

The young French star, who signed a new deal with Rennes back in May, had previously been courted by Arsenal and Liverpool.

However, the Premier League duo now look set to miss out on the 20-year-old as the youngster closes in on a move to Chelsea.

Rennes demanding club-record fee for Jacquet

Chelsea and Rennes still need to agree a fee for Jacquet, with the French side said to be demanding a club-record £56m to cash in on one of their prized assets.

The fee would trump the £52m Rennes received from Manchester City for the sale of Jeremy Doku in 2023.

Chelsea will hope to have a deal in place ahead of Sunday’s trip across the capital to Crystal Palace.

Prior to their game at Selhurst Park, the 2025 Club World Cup winners are looking to make it three wins from the last four when they face Pafos in the Champions League in midweek.