Arsenal is in discussions for their seventh summer signing to replace the £17.6m player.

According to reports, Arsenal has made ‘initial contact’ with Rennes to explore a transfer for the highly regarded centre-back Jeremy Jacquet.

After a slow start to the summer transfer window, Arsenal has strengthened Mikel Arteta’s squad with six significant signings.

Players such as Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, and Noni Madueke have joined the ranks at the Emirates Stadium, enhancing a team that has secured second place in the Premier League for the last three seasons.

Despite the substantial investments made this summer, Arsenal remains keen on pursuing additional deals before the transfer deadline, particularly aiming to acquire Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace.

Additionally, Arsenal has shown interest in signing the highly-rated defender Jacquet and has reached out to the French club Rennes regarding a potential deal, as reported by Fabrizio Romano.

It is said that the Gunners have made ‘initial contact’ with Rennes, who finished 12th in Ligue 1 last season, to express their interest in Jacquet.

Arsenal aims to bring Jacquet to north London this month if current defenders depart, but if that does not happen, they have already indicated a willingness to pursue the 20-year-old next summer.

Arteta is focusing on defensive reinforcements as his 2023 signing Jakub Kiwior is rumored to be considering a move away from the club.

Reports over the weekend suggested that ‘several clubs’ are interested in signing Kiwior, who made 30 appearances for the Gunners last season.

Although the Poland international has faced challenges in securing starts since his £17.6m transfer from Spezia, Arteta prefers to retain him as he is seen as a crucial backup player.

Kiwior has been frequently linked with a return to Italy, and there is also a possibility that Oleksandr Zinchenko may leave Arsenal this summer.

Who is Jeremy Jacquet?

Despite only making 12 league appearances for Rennes, the towering centre-back Jacquet is considered one of the most promising defenders in France.

He has represented his nation at various youth levels and played a key role in helping France’s U19 team reach the Euros final last year, earning a spot in the Team of the Tournament.

Jacquet spent the first half of last season on loan at Ligue 2 club Clermont before being recalled by Rennes in January.

In a statement released at the conclusion of last season, Rennes remarked: ‘Recalled from Clermont during the winter transfer window, where he had been on loan since January 2024, Jeremy Jacquet has confidently established himself in the Rennes defense and elevated his performance to match the standards of Ligue 1.

‘Whether playing in a three-man or four-man defense, or even as a full-back, Jeremy has delivered several impressive performances for SRFC, showcasing his adaptability on the field.

‘On Monday, Jeremy Jacquet signed a new contract with Stade Rennais F.C. that will extend until 2029. This extension reaffirms the club’s trust in a player who embodies the Red and Black spirit.’

Arnaud Pouille, the chief executive of Rennes, expressed: ‘We are thrilled to see Jeremy extend his contract. This is a strong message for the club, validating a project built around its academy.

‘Jeremy is a highly intelligent and talented young man who is well-supported by those around him. He will continue to develop with the Rouge et Noir. I would also like to express my gratitude to his family, with whom we maintain an excellent relationship.’

Loic Desire, the sporting director of the French club, stated: ‘Jeremy perfectly represents the club’s ambition to center its project around Rennes’ training.

‘He attended the Gambardella final this past weekend, which is a testament to his commitment to the Rouge et Noir academy.

‘He possesses remarkable qualities, especially in terms of athleticism, and displays a significant amount of confidence and strength for his age.

We are hopeful that he will achieve great things and continue to develop with Stade Rennais F.C.’

Meanwhile, Jacquet expressed that he is ‘very happy’ to have extended his contract with Rennes and is determined to improve in the upcoming season.

“I am thrilled to be extending my contract with my club,” he stated. “The season passed by swiftly; I returned from my loan in the winter and believe I performed well in several matches.

“The goal now is to get back to work and secure improved results for the next season.”