Reports confirm the Gunners have made initial contact with Rennes regarding the technically gifted defender, who enjoyed a breakthrough campaign during the 2024–25 season. After a successful loan spell at Clermont in Ligue 2, where he made 17 appearances and played 1,460 minutes, Jacquet was recalled and went on to make 11 league appearances for Rennes, playing both at centre-back and right-back.
Jacquet is described by his former coaches as the “technical leader” of his generation. Praised for his composure, aerial ability, pace, and positional versatility, he has already been compared to Arsenal and France defender William Saliba, with whom he shares a similar background, having grown up in the Paris suburbs. He led all under-21 centre-backs across Europe's top seven leagues in progressive actions per game, outperforming highly regarded young defenders such as Real Madrid’s Dean Huijsen and Manchester City’s Abdukodir Khusanov.
Arsenal's playing philosophy under Mikel Arteta prioritizes defenders who contribute to build-up play and maintain possession. Jacquet’s exceptional rate of progressive actions makes him an ideal fit for this model, positioning him as a strong long-term option for the club, particularly as they prepare for potential defensive exits.
Negotiations are still in the early stages, but Arsenal may attempt to bring Jacquet in during the current transfer window or line him up for a move in 2026 depending on their squad developments. Rennes, known for developing talents like Eduardo Camavinga and Ousmane Dembélé, is likely to demand a significant fee for the promising youngster, though no specific figures have been revealed.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Jeremy Jacquet reflects their commitment to recruiting young, technically skilled defenders who fit into a forward-thinking, possession-based system. Whether he arrives this summer or in the near future, Jacquet is considered a key piece in the club’s long-term defensive plans.
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