In a blow to Arsenal transfer news, Liverpool’s surprise interest in Rennes sensation Jeremy Jacquet has derailed the Gunners. Their vision for a dream partnership with star centre-back William Saliba has collapsed. As Mikel Arteta grapples with injuries to Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, the club’s long-term planning now faces fresh competition from Merseyside.
The Rock-Solid Future Saliba
William Saliba is loyal to the club of Arsenal. The five-year renewal deal for the French international signed in September 2025 will keep him at the Emirates until 2030. His combination of athleticism, calmness, and leadership have played a central role. A backline registering only 29 goals in the 2024-25 season of the Premier League. Arteta has a weak squad with Saliba being out of action due to a hamstring problem until the new year. This makes the need to strengthen it a top priority.
The Ideal Heir: Jeremy Jacquet Emerges
Jacquet was the initial young player that Arsenal identified as a foil to Saliba. He, then, was as young as 20 years old in August 2025. Rennes defender contract renewed to 2029. Moreover, he fits the description of Saliba: he is tall, fast, and dominates in the air. According to the Ligue 1 statistics, he makes 2.1 and 1.8 tackles and clearances respectively. Initial talks were held, but Jacquet opted to stay, prompting Arsenal to pivot to Valencia’s Cristhian Mosquera and Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapié in the summer window.
🚨🔴⚪️ Understand Arsenal already made an approach for Jérémy Jacquet as new defender in case of exit for Zinchenko or Kiwior.
Rennes consider the defender NOT for sale this summer, after extending his contract in May.#AFC remain keen on Jacquet, also eventually for 2026. 👀 pic.twitter.com/7ojOUMoqP4
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 3, 2025
Liverpool’s Ruthless Raid
Enter Liverpool, whose timing couldn’t be worse. Reports emerged this week that the Reds view Jacquet as the ideal replacement for under-fire Ibrahima Konaté. His errors have cost points this season. The fact that Manchester United have shown persistent interest in the matter contributes to the madness. Yet Liverpool’s aggressive scouting, which was spotted at the recent matches of Rennes, shows that the Reds are ready to take the matter seriously.
Arsenal’s Pivot and Prospects
Nonetheless, Arteta can reconsider such options as Leny Yoro of Lille or the local talents. However, to lose Jacquet would hurt, derailing a dynasty led by Saliba. This Arsenal transfer battle is a news of the cut-throat market that is the Premier League as Arsenal seek to secure their place in the Champions League.
As featured on GoonerNews.com