Manchester United are looking for defensive reinforcements in Ligue 1 and Jeremy Jacquet’s performances have convinced the club’s hierarchy. The Red Devils are working on a succession plan for Harry Maguire, whose contract expires at the end of the season.
The Englishman has returned to form this season and started two games under caretaker boss Michael Carrick. However, a report recently forwarded by People’s Daily claimed that the Premier League giants are preparing to let Maguire leave for free this summer.
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United are already looking for a suitable replacement for the experienced defender, with recent reports suggesting they have considered Jacques as an option.
The rise of Jacquet in France
Jacquet is a product of the Rennes youth academy and initially joined Clermont Football Club on loan in early 2024. That summer, his temporary stay at the Stade Gabriel Monpid was extended for another year, but Rennes opted to bring him back to Parc Roachon in February 2025, where he was drafted into the senior team.
The 20-year-old hasn’t looked back since and is now a regular in the first-team squad under head coach Habib Beye. This season, Jacquet has made 18 appearances in all competitions for the French club, all of which were starts.
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Jeremy Jacquet Statistics: 2025/26 Season
Source: Transfermarkt.
The player’s efforts have convinced United but he currently has no shortage of suitors. A previous report forwarded by Le Volk mentioned Chelsea’s interest and it now appears that the Blues have stepped up their efforts to sign him.
Chelsea want Jacquet
according to fichayesChelsea are prepared to offer 75 million euros this year to secure Jacquet’s services. Rennes consider the French defender, who is contracted until 2029, to be an outstanding player. Generation of talents They are likely to seek a club-record transfer fee to let their prized asset leave.
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The Blues’ offer may be enough to convince the Ligue 1 side, whose transfer record remains Jeremy Docu’s £55m move to Manchester City. The London giants have mastered picking up new stars and already have an enviable arsenal. The Frenchman would suit the club’s transfer policy in his own right.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are also looking to improve the quality of their defence, which has become a weakness in their side of late, and Jacquet’s skills make him an excellent choice for the job. The report adds that both Liverpool and Bayern Munich are interested in the young defender and neither club can be ruled out yet.
Meanwhile, The Express cites another report from Sky Sports that mentions Manchester United’s interest but notes that Jacquet is fixated on a move to Stamford Bridge. The report adds that the Blues have held talks with the Ligue 1 side to reach a deal.
final thoughts
Manchester United has recently set its sights on emerging young football players from all over the world, and already has two talented young defenders in the team in Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven. Therefore, even if the Red Devils end up missing out on Jacquet, they won’t be too upset.
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Meanwhile, United are already preparing to invest heavily in midfield this summer. As a result, Ineos may not be too keen on competing with Chelsea for the French defender.
Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images
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