Arsenal moved early to sign the highly acclaimed French centre-back Jeremy Jacket in the race.
According to trusted transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal has already approached Rennes about the potential of the 20-year-old talent, considered one of France’s most promising young defenders.
Interest from north London comes amid growing uncertainty about the future of current defenders Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior.
Arsenal will make Jeremy Jacket their main defensive target
If the player departs during the current transfer window, Arsenal is expected to respond, and will become Jacquet if Jacquet needs reinforcement.
Despite Arsenal’s approach, Rennes remains firm with the attitude that the jacket is not on sale this summer.
Ligue 1 recently extended its defender contract in May.
Nevertheless, Arsenal’s interest in the jacket runs deeper than a short-term fix. Sources close to the club suggest that gunners view him as a future investment, and could potentially pursue a contract in 2026.
His maturity and strong physical presence have already been compared to an elite-level centreback.
Arteta wants more defensive quality
Mikel Arteta and the recruitment team have shown a consistent pattern of targeting new talent before the market-valued skyrocket, and Jacquet fits perfectly with that strategy. Even if trading is not possible this summer, Arsenal could still watch closely as he develops in League One.
Their jacket pursuit appears to be similar to the way they tracked down William Saliba and ultimately signed him.
Rennes holds well, but Arsenal’s interest in Jasett is serious and they can consider making a move.
Club sources are “hoping” Arsenal will try to sign a star player, Fabrizio Romano argues