Crystal Palace will reportedly look to sign 20-year-old French defensive sensation Jeremy Jacquet from Ligue 1 club Stade Rennais to replace Marc Guehi this summer.
According to a report by The Independent, Jeremy Jacquet is the subject of interest from Crystal Palace. The Eagles are keen on reinforcing their defensive unit by signing a centre-back in the summer transfer window amid uncertainties surrounding Marc Guehi’s future. So, the 20-year-old Stade Rennais defensive sensation has emerged as a target for the South London outfit.
The 2024/25 FA Cup winners have yet to approach the Ligue 1 club to discuss a move for the Frenchman. The move depends on Guehi’s departure amid the Crystal Palace captain’s relentless links with Liverpool. Meanwhile, Stade Rennais will demand around £35 million to part ways with Jacquet in the summer transfer window.
Jeremy Jacquet and his rapid rise
Jeremy Jacquet is the latest highly rated prospect to see his stock soar in his homeland. France’s modern tradition of producing promising prodigies continues, and the youngster has risen in prominence in the last 12 months. The 20-year-old graduated from the youth division at Stade Rennais, and he has broken into the first-team squad at the Ligue 1 club.
The French defensive sensation has turned out 13 times thus far for Rennes while chipping in with one assist in nearly 1,000 minutes of game time. Meanwhile, Jacquet’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs across Europe. Crystal Palace may be among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the summer transfer window.
London calling?
Widespread reports have linked Jeremy Jacquet with Arsenal, although the Gunners have not firmed up their interest thus far. That may provide Crystal Palace a window of opportunity to pounce and sign one of the most promising centre-backs in the world. The South London club’s interest is understandable.
The Eagles are in a spot of bother over Marc Guehi’s long-term future, with the English defender a target for Liverpool. While the Reds are reluctant to meet Crystal Palace’s asking price of £45-50 million, talks between the two clubs will likely continue in the coming weeks. So, Jacquet has emerged as a viable target for Crystal Palace, with Stade Rennais demanding £35 million to sell the 20-year-old Frenchman.
While other Premier League clubs have shown interest in Jacquet, Crystal Palace can steal a march on them if they launch a bid in the coming days. However, a move for the £35 million-rated French defensive whizkid depends on Guehi’s departure.