Arsenal want to expand the squad size as the club has shown primary interest in French defender Jeremy Jacquet. The young defender is currently playing for French club Stade Rennais. But according to multiple reports, Stade Rennais has most probably rejected the initial bid from Arsenal. The Gunners already had submitted a bid. Arsenal are looking to go for another try. The media expect another second bid from Arsenal’s side soon.
Jacquet Has Just Made the List
After successfully producing some world-class forwards, the French football has shifted their focus to the defensive zone. After the era of Raphael Varane, Umtiti, and Upamekano, France has launched some serious centre-backs in past couple of years. Arsenal centre-back William Saliba is the prominent in name in the list. Other than Saliba, Liverpool stopper Ibrahima Konate and Barcelona defender Jules Kounde are some of the big names in the team. Now, some serious young talents have shown up, too. Manchester United has found a future prospect in Leny Yoro. Prodigies like Yoni Gomis and Mamadou Sarr are also about to crack the France national team. Meanwhile, Stade Rennais defender Jeremy Jacquet has caught eyes recently. The 20-year-old defender has huge potential in himself. No doubt, a club like Arsenal are showing interest in him. The French football fans hope to get to see him perform soon in a big club.
🚨🔴⚪️ 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
All You Need to Know About Jeremy Jacquet
Jeremy Jacquet first showed the glimpse of his ability while playing for Clermont on loan from Rennais last season. Then, he returned to his parent club and didn’t take much time to cement his position in the first team. The right-footed defender is a solid centre back by nature but he has also played at the right-back position quite comfortably. Jacquet is known for being a speedy defender who tracks back immediately. Jacquet played a crucial role in France’s U-19 UEFA EURO Championship also. As a matter of fact, Jeremy is one of the promising talents from the golden batch of France. He has already shared the field with some other exciting prospects like Desire Doue and Mathys Tel. Jeremy has a knack for constant overlapping runs throughout the 90-minutes. As a result, he has already registered 2 assists in his name as a centre back in the League1 last season. Surely, he is someone to watch out for.
Arsenal Got Rejected by the French Club
Stade Rennais has immediately said no to Arsenal’s first offer for Jeremy Jacquet. Multiple reports have also suspected that the footballer himself doesn’t want to leave for Arsenal. From the player’s point of view, he still thinks that he needs another good season with Stade Rennais before signing for a big club. This is a rare example as most of the wonderkids accept offers from big clubs without any second thoughts. In these kind of scenarios, there remains always a risk factor. Some are able to adapt quickly and some fail to get into the first team and eventually leave on either loan or a permanent deal. Here, Jeremy Jacquet had discussed with his club and both parties arrived on the same page of continuing. Arsenal already have a solid pair of Saliba and Gabriel. Defenders like Calafiori and Christhian Mosquera are ready to come off the bench. Whereas at Rennais, Jeremy will get an automatic first team call up. Football critics have praised Jacquet’s bold decision to stay for another season.
🚨 Jérémy Jacquet has REJECTED Arsenal.
The Rennes defender has been called the 'next William Saliba' but has turned down the chance to move to England.
(Source: @FootMercato) pic.twitter.com/6bX9hTRZLK
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) August 4, 2025
Author’s Opinion: Why Was Arsenal Interested in Jacquet?
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta found Jeremy Jacquet very suitable for his system. Arteta needs defenders who aren’t shy of attacking during a highline press. Jeremy is a calm and composed customer when it is about taking control of the ball. His overlapping runs could also help the Arsenal team at times. For these traits, Arsenal wished to go for the French talent. Even after a shocking denial from Rennais, Arsenal are expected to land Jacquet in 2026.
Comment below your thoughts on this.
Recommended for you