Stefan Borson: This is when Chelsea will finalise ‘big’ Jeremy Jacquet deal
Chelsea are yet to make any new signings in the ongoing transfer window ahead of the deadline on Monday (2 February).
Football Insider revealed on 9 January Chelsea were expected to be quiet in the window due to their settlement agreement with Uefa.
Chelsea have made an approach to sign Jeremy Jacquet as they look to strengthen their defensive options.
However, French side Rennes are looking for a fee in excess of £50million for the 20-year-old.
Liverpool and Arsenal are also interested in Jacquet, but neither club is yet to make a move for the centre-back.
Why Chelsea will agree Jeremy Jacquet deal
Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider he wouldn’t be surprised to see Chelsea agree a deal for Jacquet over the weekend.
Blues manager Liam Rosenior had a chance to cast his eye over the France Under-21 international during his time as Strasbourg boss.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: “I think people recognise this guy is very talented, but he’s very inexperienced. He’s played something like 30 games for Rennes. It’s a big fee.
“I think on balance, they’ll probably buy him. What’s tended to happen with these sorts of situations with Chelsea is that they’ve done the deal, maybe on deadline day or close to that.
“We’re close to that now anyway, of course, so over the weekend, it wouldn’t surprise me if they did the deal.”
Jacquet fee speculated as Chelsea eye last-gasp deal
Borson insisted Chelsea are aware of their cash flow after reaching the round of 16 in the Champions League following their 3-2 victory over Napoli on Wednesday (28 January).
“In fairness, that is a great result away at Napoli and they’re into the next phase, so they’ve got that visibility as to games and also cash flow,” said Borson.
“That’s all good for them. My guess is that they’ll do the Jacquet deal, but obviously it’s hard to know. The fee is what, €50-60m (£43-52m). He’s meant to be very talented, but he’s not played many games.
“Rennes are good sellers. The French game increasingly is a high-quality provider of players for the Premier League. We’ve seen City have done pretty well from France so far. They have bought Khusanov, Doku and Cherki.
“Of course, Liam Rosenior is going to know the league well. I’m sure they’ve watched him at all levels. I think that deal will happen, but it’s not long to make it happen now.”
Jacquet has started in all 18 of his appearances so far this season for Rennes, who currently sit sixth in the Ligue 1 table.
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