Chelsea have held talks with Rennes over a move for Jeremy Jacquet, the defender long followed by Arsenal, after Andrea Berta held exploratory talks last month.
The Mail on Sunday report that Chelsea have already opened discussions for the 20-year-old but Rennes want more than £50 million, with the French club hoping to command a record fee amid interest from Arsenal, Liverpool and Bayern Munich.
The report added Jacquet has indicated he would like to join Chelsea and that the Premier League club have brought talks forward to January amid concerns their rivals would be in stronger positions to buy in the summer.
Dimanche Ouest France also report similar, saying that Chelsea have decided to go on the attack for Jacquet, with the player “eager to join the Blues” and a long-term contract discussed, although Rennes were not planning to sell him this winter.
The report adds Rennes would demand more than €60 million but that an “irrefusable offer”, in the words of chairman Arnaud Pouille, could yet change that stance.
It was reported in December that Berta was holding exploratory talks ahead of the January transfer window, with The Athletic stating Arsenal continued to follow Jacquet, who has a contract until 2029.