Sources indicate that officials from Stamford Bridge intensified discussions with Rennes in the middle of last week as they looked to make progress on a potential deal.
Chelsea decided to step up their interest in early January as they realised competition for the highly-rated defender was increasing both in England and across Europe.
Arsenal and Real Madrid are among top clubs to have been monitoring 20-year-old Jacquet’s rise, and Chelsea are aware that swift action is required to stay ahead in the race.
Jacquet is a modern centre-back who is very capable at core defensive duties as well as advancing play by carrying the ball out from the back line.
Rennes believe they are well placed to maximise his transfer fee - given his hype - and have been in talks with Chelsea over the weekend as negotiations moved towards the financial structure of a possible agreement.
The French club are understood to be aiming for a fee that could challenge their current club-record sale, which is set at around €60 million from Jeremy Doku’s move to Manchester City.
Chelsea, however, are keen to negotiate terms that better suit their own strategy. They also need to decide how much would be payable upfront. Chelsea’s total valuation of the player is believed to be closer to €50 million, with discussions ongoing over potential add-ons and payment structure.
Head coach Liam Rosenior has been kept informed throughout the process. He was aware prior to taking the head coach role that reinforcing the defensive line was a possibility.
It is a plan previously explored by the club and former boss Enzo Maresca, and it is one Rosenior supports. He has familiarity with Jacquet, enhanced by his own experience managing in Ligue 1 with Strasbourg.
Chelsea remain hopeful that a deal can be agreed in a way that aligns with their financial model, as talks continue today in the hope of a crucial breakthrough.
