Highly-rated French defender makes Arsenal transfer decision
Arsenal have suffered a setback in their pursuit of highly rated French defender Jeremy Jacquet, with the 20-year-old opting to remain at Stade Rennais despite interest from the Premier League side.
The Gunners had identified Jacquet as a potential addition to their defensive ranks early in the transfer window, particularly as cover or a long-term replacement for players like Oleksandr Zinchenko or Jakub Kiwior.
Jacquet recently signed a new long-term contract with the Ligue 1 outfit, keeping him at the club until 2029. The decision came shortly after Arsenal’s approach, and Rennes wasted no time in securing their young talent to fend off further interest.
Though the Gunners remain admirers of the centre-back, any move now looks unlikely until next year at the earliest.
The defender impressed during the second half of the 2024-25 campaign, making 11 Ligue 1 appearances and playing a key role in Rennes’ survival push.
Having been recalled from a loan spell at Clermont in January, Jacquet quickly established himself as a key figure in the team, offering stability in a struggling backline.
Despite Rennes often playing without the ball, Jacquet maintained an 85 percent pass accuracy rate, underlining his composure and technical quality.
Arsenal have been active in the summer window, bringing in six new players so far. Cristhian Mosquera was recently signed following Takehiro Tomiyasu’s departure, and there remains a possibility that Kiwior could leave if the club receive a convincing offer.
While Jacquet would have been seen as an ideal fit for Arteta’s long-term vision, Rennes’ stance and the player’s decision mean that Arsenal will have to look elsewhere for defensive reinforcements in the short term.
Still, the Gunners are not expected to completely drop their interest. Should circumstances change — particularly with Kiwior’s future uncertain — a renewed attempt for Jacquet in 2026 remains on the table.
For now, however, the Frenchman is staying put.
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