Chelsea are worried Liverpool could steal in and snatch ‘essential’ £55m centre-back from them

Liverpool supporters have waited patiently for any transfer news this January to no avail so far.

The Reds could really do with adding a centre-back and an attacker mid-season, but there have been no signs of life in the market up to this point.

Nevertheless, work is clearly being done behind the scenes at Liverpool as they prepare for what could be another busy summer.

Tottenham want a British transfer record for Micky van de Ven! Surely there are cheaper alternatives? 😵‍💫

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The Reds spent upwards of £450m last year and are still in need of filling several holes within Arne Slot’s squad. Central defence remains arguably the biggest of these, and Liverpool are certain to sign at least one new defender in 2026.

Rennes’ starlet Jeremy Jacquet has previously been named as a target, however, the 20-year-old had recently looked on the verge of a move to Chelsea. But according to the Daily Mail, the Blues are still nervous that Liverpool could steal in and beat them to Jacquet.

Chelsea worried they could be beaten to Jeremy Jacquet

Chelsea have reportedly been in discussions with Rennes over a deal worth around £55m for Jacquet.

Manager Habib Beye called the youngster an ‘essential’ player earlier this week, though, urging his club not to let the centre-back leave.

READ MORE: How likely Curtis Jones is to leave Liverpool as ‘definite’ interest from Tottenham confirmed

And according to the Mail, Chelsea are growing ‘worried’ that other clubs could still nip in and snatch Jacquet from their clutches.

Liverpool and Bayern Munich are the two other giants named as potential suitors for the Frenchman, although interest is seemingly for the summer, rather than January.

As a result, Chelsea are reportedly ‘doing all they can’ to reach an agreement with Rennes in the coming days and head off interest from Liverpool and Bayern.

Liverpool would want another centre-back alongside Jacquet

If Chelsea are to fail in their attempts to sign Jacquet, leaving the door open for Liverpool, the France U21 star would surely not be the only centre-back to arrive at Anfield in 2026.

Given the contract situation of Ibrahima Konate, the Reds need a new defender who can come in and be an immediate regular starter.

Giovanni Leoni is not going to be that as he recovers from a serious knee injury, while Joe Gomez has question marks over both his fitness and his future beyond this summer.

It would be a huge ask for Jacquet to be Virgil van Dijk’s new partner as well, meaning he would likely be complemented by another, more experienced addition.

That is all for the future, though. In the here and now, supporters should be keeping an eye on Chelsea’s negotiations in the coming 10 days. If they do not get Jacquet over the line, Liverpool could be back in business.