LONDON – Arsenal have emerged as frontrunners in the high-stakes battle to sign Rennes’ defensive sensation Jérémy Jacquet. The 20-year-old Frenchman is quickly becoming one of the most coveted young defenders in Europe, with a valuation reportedly set around the £17 million (€20m) mark
According to TEAMtalk, Mikel Arteta’s recruitment team is closely monitoring Jacquet’s rapid rise in Ligue 1. The versatile defender, who can operate both as a center-back and a full-back, fits the profile of the “modern defender” that Arsenal has prioritized under their current sporting project.
Planning for the Future
Despite Arsenal’s recent defensive reinforcements having secured Cristhian Mosquera and Paulo Hincapié the Gunners remain committed to future-proofing their squad. While the world-class partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães is locked in with new contracts, Edu Gaspar and Arteta are keen to integrate young elite talents like Jacquet to maintain long-term depth.
Rennes, known for their world-class academy, reportedly views Jacquet as their next major export. However, the French outfit is expected to hold firm on their stance of keeping the player until the summer window to maximize his transfer value.
A European Transfer Tug-of-War
Arsenal faces stiff competition for the Frenchman’s signature. Manchester United have recently entered the fray, viewing Jacquet as an ideal candidate for their defensive rebuild. Meanwhile, Real Madrid and Liverpool are also credited with an interest, having tracked the youngster’s development over the past 12 months.
Jacquet’s ability to play across the backline makes him a tactical “Swiss Army knife,” a trait that has specifically caught the eye of Real Madrid’s scouts as they look to inject youth into an aging defensive rotation.
Thiago Nuno is a football editor and analyst covering European leagues, match statistics, and transfer market trends.
