Here is a roundup of the top Arsenal news, gossip and transfer latest from icfootballnews featuring the likes of Jérémy Jacquet, Smilla Holmberg and Yan Diomande that you may have missed…
Arsenal have reportedly joined a growing list of elite European clubs tracking highly-rated Rennes centre-back Jérémy Jacquet ahead of the ongoing January transfer window, according to multiple reports.
The 20-year-old French defender has emerged as one of Ligue 1’s most sought-after young talents, attracting interest not only from ARSENAL but also from Premier League rivals and continental heavyweights
A Young Defender on the Rise
Jacquet, a product of Stade Rennais’ academy, began breaking into Rennes’ first team after a loan spell at Clermont Foot that accelerated his development. The centre-back has since established himself as a regular starter under coach Habib Beye, featuring prominently in Ligue 1 this season and helping Rennes challenge for European places. He’s also been capped by France at youth levels, including with the Under-21s, and earned plaudits for his composure, physical presence and ball-playing ability.
Rennes showed their belief in Jacquet’s long-term potential by tying him to a contract running until June 2029, leaving interested clubs with a significant negotiating task.
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Arsenal’s Interest and Transfer Strategy
According to The Athletic and other transfer sources, ARSENAL sporting director Andrea Berta has held exploratory talks regarding Jacquet’s possible arrival, keeping the defender on the club’s shortlist this January.. These discussions are understood to be part of a broader survey of defensive options rather than a committed bid, with the club monitoring developments while weighing squad needs and potential departures.
Despite a deep defensive roster under manager Mikel Arteta, Arsenal are said to view Jacquet as a long-term investment: a future leader at the heart of the defence who could eventually develop into a cornerstone of the backline similar to compatriot William Saliba.
However, any January move could hinge on incoming and outgoing activity at the Emirates Stadium. Should established defenders leave this month, Arsenal may pivot quickly to formalise a bid for the Rennes star. Sources suggest the Gunners would be prepared to act if circumstances change.
Competition Intensifies
Arsenal face fierce competition for the defender’s signature. Reports indicate that Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Real Madrid are also in the mix, with interests spanning both immediate needs and strategic long-term planning. This crowded field could complicate negotiations and potentially drive up any transfer fee should clubs move beyond preliminary interest.
What Jacquet Offers
At just 20 years old and contracted long-term to Rennes, Jacquet represents a blend of youth and top-flight experience. Known for his reading of the game, aerial ability and calmness on the ball, he fits the mould of a modern centre-back capable of playing in a high defensive line — a style that aligns with Arteta’s tactical philosophy.
Looking Ahead
With the January window now open and transfer rumours swirling, *ARSENAL*’s interest in Jacquet adds another intriguing subplot to what has been a busy season for the Premier League leaders.
Whether they will make a concrete approach before the deadline remains to be seen, but the defender’s emergence as a sought-after prospect suggests his future could lie away from Brittany should a suitable offer materialise
HOLMBERG EXCITED
Right-back Smilla Holmberg has opened up and revealed just how delighted she is to have made the move to Arsenal, after the Gunners make an early January move and got an early transfer deal done.
The young Swedish defender makes her first move overseas, having been at Hammarby IF since 2022 after moving there from Alvsjo, and Speaking to the club at the Sobha Realty Training Centre in her first club interview, Smilla summed up her emotions: “Incredible and very special. Arsenal is a huge club with high standards and it’s unreal to be honest.
“I think everyone, especially me, has grown up watching ARSENAL play. It’s very special and I’m so proud to be here and can’t wait to get started.
“I think it’s just something special with Arsenal; the fans, the environment to develop here as a player. I think it’s a familiar place to be in and it’s something special. It’s hard to put into words but Arsenal is something really special.
“I felt like this year I’ve taken big steps in my career. I felt like it was the time for me to try something else and step out of my comfort zone. When I had my first conversation with Arsenal, I felt like the belief and the ambitions are things that we can build together.
‘I want to see how far I can go and I think ARSENAL is the best place to be in. My dream has always been to play in Arsenal, so it’s fantastic.
“Of course, it’s a difference and the first time I’m moving from home and moving abroad. It will be special but also very fun and I think this is an opportunity for me to grow both as a person but also as a football player.
‘I’m excited to come here every day and be better on everything.”
ARSENAL WANT DIOMANDE
Here is the latest Arsenal transfer speculation that you may have missed as reports have claimed the Gunners have become the latest club to show interest in RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande.
Mikel Arteta has built quite a squad over the past couple of transfer windows and added players to the side that have meant ARSENAL are favourites to win that Premier League title, and put in a long run in that Champions League.
But despite all the quality that Mikel Arteta has all over the pitch, there has been reports that the Spaniard is still keen to keep on adding to his side and now the Gunners are in the hunt for Diomande.
Diomande has established himself as one of the best young prospects in the Bundesliga since joining RB Leipzig from CD Leganes this past summer. and he 19-year-old has been one of the most productive attackers for the Bundesliga club this season, scoring seven goals and providing four assists in 16 outings in all competitions thus far.
The Ivory Coast international has reportedly caught the eye of many Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and Tottenham ahead of a potential January transfer, but he is away at AFCON right now so deal can happen.
But according to The Athletic, a fee of £86million may be required to sign Diomande in the coming windows, and Furthermore, as Leipzig have no intention of allowing Diomande to leave, it will take a very large offer for them to consider a winter sale as his contract expires in 2030.
IcFootballnews Says…
Diomande is the type of player that Arsenal like to sign, young, hungry and full of talent. But he is a player that the club do not need right now and adding him to the squad would only unsettle his development.
ARSENAL have some world class wingers, Diomade would struggle to get ahead of them.
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