Arsenal are seriously considering a summer swoop for Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, according to reports.
The 20-year-old has been on the Gunners’ radar for quite some time, with the player having been first linked with a switch to the Emirates last year.
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However, TEAMtalk say that Mikel Arteta’s side could ratchet up their attempts to buy Jacquet at the end of the season. They are believed to be “huge fans” of the player.
Sporting Director Andrea Berta is reportedly monitoring the defender’s progress closely, and there is a sense that Rennes will consider a sale when the campaign is over.
Why is Jacquet being targeted?
It is fair to say that the club are not short of centre-halves, with William Saliba, Gabriel, Cristhian Mosquera, Piero Hincapie, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber all capable of playing in that position if required.
However, there is a chance that the departure of Ben White will be sanctioned in the summer, and Jacquet is seen as a potential replacement for the 28-year-old.
Arsenal will face stiff competition for the defender
TEAMtalk claim that the Gunners are just one of several Premier League clubs who are interested in recruiting Jacquet. The likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool are all keeping tabs on him, along with Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Rennes are said to be happy for a bidding war to ensue, and while such a transfer will not be sanctioned in January, it appears there could be a fierce battle brewing for the centre-back.
Jacquet may still feel that his first-team opportunities will be limited if he joins Arsenal, and persuading the player that he will get the game time he needs is probably the biggest hurdle that Berta will face in future negotiations.
Read more about the Arsenal First Team Squad for 2025/26 here