Arsenal have been put on transfer alert as Chelsea are plotting a £56m bid for one of their main targets.
The Gunners are yet to make a move during the January transfer window, as Mikel Arteta seems very confident in his players’ chances to win the Premier League title. They extended their lead over Man City to seven points after drawing 0-0 against Nottingham Forest over the weekend.
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However, they may have been sprung into action by rivals Chelsea, as the Blues are reportedly planning a £56m bid for one of Arsenal’s long-term transfer targets.
It could force Arsenal to make a bid of their own, so they can ensure they don’t lose a world-class star to one of their closest rivals.
Chelsea prepare £56m bid for Jeremy Jacquet
Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet is very well regarded in Europe, as one of the best young centre-backs. The 22-year-old has built a reputation and could turn into a world-class talent, based on his development so far.
Arsenal have been linked to Jacquet, who has been compared to current Gunners defender William Saliba, due to his comfort on the ball, and composed tackling ability.
However, it is rivals Chelsea who seem to be leading the race for Jacquet, as the Blues have prepared a £56m bid to sign him according to the Express. It is understood that Chelsea could move quickly in a deal, as they want to back new manager Liam Rosenior with a new centre-back.
Do the Gunners need Jacquet?
The biggest question around this story is whether Arsenal will actually jump in and make a move for the Rennes star, as they already have a great young core in defence.
Gabriel and Saliba are the clear first choices for Mikel Arteta, but even behind them, Arsenal have two young centre-backs in Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera, so if they signed Jacquet, at least one defender would struggle to get regular game time.
£56m is a lot of money for a player who likely won’t start regularly for a couple of years, so Arsenal could let their rivals sign Jacquet instead.
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