Arsenal’s interest in Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet pre-dates the signing of Cristhian Mosquera, but it’s set to persist even if they can’t sign him this summer.
Sami Mokbel reports for the BBC that Arsenal hold an interest in Stade Rennais’ Jeremy Jacquet, placing him high on their centre-back shortlist having watched him extensively.
Mokbel adds that sources have told the BBC not to rule out a move for Jacquet this summer, despite the player signing a contract extension with his current club in May. Though it may depend on whether the club can offload one of their existing defenders first.
Yet even if the Gunners don’t end up signing Jacquet this month, Mokbel writes that Arsenal will continue to monitor him for a possible future move.
James McNicholas reports for The Athletic that Arsenal’s interest in Jacquet is a long-term one, discussing a move for the defender even before the Gunners signed Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia.
McNicholas suggests that it would be the departure of a player like Oleksandr Zinchenko or Jakub Kiwior that could lead Arsenal to revisit a move in the current window.
Fabrizio Romano had previously reported that Rennes consider Jacquet ‘not for sale’ this summer, so it’s not going to be an easy negotiation, particularly with the player now having a contract to 2029.
20-year-old Jacquet has already made 18 appearances in Ligue 1 for Clermont Foot and Rennes.
After coming through the academy system at Rennes, the defender spent a year on loan with Clermont Foot from January 2024 to January 2025. After impressing in his time away, he then broke into the starting lineup with his parent club upon his return before signing his new contract.
Internationally, Jacquet has played for France up to u21 level, making his debut for the u21 side in March.