Arsenal make contact to sign defender Jeremy Jacquet

Arsenal have opened talks with Stade Rennais over a potential move for 20-year-old French defender Jeremy Jacquet, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Arsenal Make Initial Contact for Rennes Defender Jeremy Jacquet

The Gunners have established initial contact to express their interest in the versatile centre-back, who recently signed a new contract with Rennes extending until 2029.

Technical director Andrea Berta is exploring defensive reinforcements despite already securing Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera this summer.

Jacquet has emerged as a concrete target who could provide cover across multiple positions.

Standing at 6ft 3in, the French youth international primarily operates as a right-footed central defender but can also fill in at right-back, offering Mikel Arteta tactical flexibility.

The pursuit aligns with Arsenal’s focus on promising young talent, with Jacquet having earned recognition as the “technical leader of his generation” according to his former Rennes development coach Pierre-Emmanuel Bourdeau.

Timing contingent on sales: A summer move depends on defensive departures, with Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko linked to exits. If no sales materialize, Arsenal may delay the move until 2026.

Player profile: Aggressive in duels (61% won last term), comfortable in possession (85% passing accuracy), and aerially dominant.

Development path: Emerged from Rennes’ famed academy alongside Desire Doue and Mathys Tel, starred on loan at Clermont (17 appearances), and broke into Rennes’ first team in January.

Rennes consider Jacquet “not for sale” this summer after securing his long-term contract in May 4.

However, Arsenal’s proactive approach signals serious intent as Arteta aims to build squad depth following Viktor Gyökeres’ headline arrival.

The defender has drawn stylistic comparisons to William Saliba for his composure on the ball and shared roots in Bondy, Paris.