Arsenal have opened preliminary discussions with Rennes over a potential move for French centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, with the 19-year-old defender emerging as a target for the North London club. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Arsenal have made initial contact over a move for Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, marking the beginning of what could develop into formal negotiations.
The timing of Arsenal’s interest comes despite Jacquet having only recently committed his long-term future to Rennes. The 20-year-old French defender recently committed his long-term future to the Ligue 1 club by signing a new contract until June 2029. This fresh deal hasn’t deterred Arsenal from exploring the possibility of bringing the young talent to the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal’s approach to Jacquet appears to be part of a broader strategic plan rather than an immediate necessity. He’s on the list as option in case of exits this month… or eventually for 2026. This timeline suggests Arsenal are looking at both short-term contingency planning and long-term squad development.
The connection to potential departures is clear, with several Arsenal defenders potentially facing uncertain futures. Despite the long-term deal, Arsenal’s interest signals their continued intent to invest in young, versatile talent capable of fitting into Mikel Arteta’s progressive playing philosophy. This philosophy of targeting promising young players aligns with Arsenal’s recent transfer strategy.
Manager Mikel Arteta would prefer to keep him, but the hierarchy could be open to selling the defender for a premium fee. In that case, the club could pursue a cost-effective replacement. This suggests that Arsenal’s interest in Jacquet could intensify depending on outgoing transfers in the coming weeks.
Player Profile and Market Value
Jérémy Jacquet (born 13 July 2005) is a French professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Ligue 1 club Rennes. Born in metropolitan France, Jacquet is of Guadeloupean descent. At just 19 years old, he represents the type of young talent Arsenal have been targeting in recent transfer windows.
Jérémy Jacquet, 20, from France ➤ Stade Rennais FC, since 2023 ➤ Centre-Back ➤ Market value: €10.00m. This valuation positions him as a relatively affordable option compared to more established defenders, fitting Arsenal’s budget-conscious approach to squad building.
The player’s development trajectory has been impressive, particularly in the latter part of the 2024-25 season. The Gunners could sign Jacquet following his breakthrough at Rennes during the backend of the 2024/25 campaign. This breakthrough period has clearly caught Arsenal’s attention and justified their initial approach.
Contract Situation and Rennes’ Position
The recent contract extension Jacquet signed with Rennes strengthens the French club’s position in any potential negotiations. Jacquet is now tied with Rennes until 2029. Jacquet has seamlessly adapted to Habib Beye’s defensive set-up after being recalled from a loan at Ligue 2 side Clermont where he spent the first half of the season.
This loan spell at Clermont appears to have been crucial in his development, providing him with valuable first-team experience in professional football. The successful recall to Rennes and his subsequent integration into their first-team plans will likely influence the asking price should Arsenal decide to pursue formal negotiations.
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Even if it meant that Rennes had to spend €900k on a player that was already under contract, the investment in his new deal shows their commitment to retaining the defender. This financial commitment suggests Rennes value Jacquet highly and won’t let him leave cheaply.
Current Status and Future Prospects
Arsenal’s interest remains at the exploratory stage, with no formal offers or advanced negotiations reported. Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing the highly rated French defender Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes, but the club appears to be taking a measured approach to any potential pursuit.
The timing of Arsenal’s contact suggests they are preparing for multiple scenarios. Whether Jacquet becomes a target for this transfer window or remains on their radar for future windows will likely depend on player departures and Arsenal’s assessment of their defensive needs.
Jacquet is viewed as a promising talent for the future and is reportedly among Arsenal’s options as they continue to build for both immediate and long-term success. His age profile fits perfectly with Arsenal’s strategy of signing young players who can develop within their system.
The interest in Jacquet also reflects Arsenal’s scouting network’s focus on French football, where they have previously found success with players who understand the tactical demands of top-level football. His experience in Ligue 1, despite his young age, could make him an attractive option for immediate integration into Premier League football.
As the transfer window progresses, Arsenal’s pursuit of Jacquet will likely depend on their ability to move players out and create both squad space and budget for new arrivals. The initial contact represents the first step in what could become a more serious pursuit depending on how other transfer activities develop.
