Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have reportedly stepped up their pursuit of Stade Rennais defensive sensation Jeremy Jacquet.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Jeremy Jacquet could be heading to North London this summer as Arsenal have stepped up their efforts to sign the Stade Rennais graduate. Mikel Arteta is keen on adding more depth to their backline, and the 20-year-old centre-back also seems interested in making the move to the Premier League.

Jacquet has been a part of the French club since his childhood days. He went up the ranks at some pace and got promoted to their first team at the start of 2024, and was immediately loaned out to Clermont Foot. After an impressive year-long loan spell at the Ligue 2 club, he returned to his parent club at the start of 2025.

Following his return to the club, he ended up making 11 Ligue 1 appearances in the second half of last season. The 20-year-old centre-back’s impressive rise and his recent performances have put him on the radar of some of the biggest clubs in the world.

Aware of the increasing interest in his signature, Rennes tied him down to a new long-term deal at the start of the summer. While his contract now runs until the summer of 2029, Arsenal are still trying to lure him away this summer.

The North London club are looking to add more depth to their backline, and they have been closely monitoring the French youth international for some time. His composure, physicality and ability to play out from the back have caught the attention of Arsenal’s scouts.

Arsenal are pushing hard to sign Jacquet

Jeremy Jacquet has all the qualities to succeed in Mikel Arteta’s system; as a result, they have him quite high on their list of defensive reinforcements. They have received a massive boost in their pursuit as the player himself is very eager to join an elite Premier League club like Arsenal.

While the Ligue 1 club are reluctant to part ways with one of their most valuable assets, they may struggle to hold onto him for long. However, they are expected to demand a significant fee, with reports suggesting the Ligue 1 outfit would want at least £25 million just to begin negotiations.

Talks between the two clubs are still at an early stage, but Arsenal seem determined to add him to their squad. Stade Rennais are in a very strong position with regards to Jacquet’s future, and the Gunners will have to meet their demands if they want the move to go through.