Arsenal and Chelsea STUNNED as Man Utd target ambitious double deal

Cameron Smith

• 20 Nov 2025 13:11 GMT
• 5 min read

News

Manchester United are reportedly keeping close tabs on Stade Rennais duo Jeremy Jacquet and Mohamed Kader Meite ahead of a possible double deal in 2026.

The Red Devils have pivoted their transfer strategy to pursue the best young talents in world football over the past year and they have identified Jacquet and Meite as their two latest wonderkid targets.

Current ETV

Mohamed Kader Meïté

F (C)

Stade Rennais

Mohamed Kader Meïté

F (C)

Stade Rennais

€10.5M

ETV Range

€9.5M - €11.6M

View full profile

That is according to a report from The Sun, who claim that Man Utd sent one of their top scouts to watch both Jacquet and Meite in action for Rennes against Paris FC in early November.

The former was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal this summer, with the Gunners having identified him as a key centre-back target, while Meite has reportedly emerged as a possible option for Chelsea amid his impressive breakthrough onto the senior stage.

However, both London giants could be gazumped by Man Utd if the Red Devils solidify their interest in the Rennes pair following their recent scouting mission.

Jacquet, who has made 24 senior appearances for Rennes, is regarded as one of France’s top defensive prospects, while Meite has already scored four senior goals at just 18 years of age and he has been tipped to become one of the best strikers in the world.

Expert opinion

Ligue 1 expert Robin Bairner told FootballTransfers: “Jeremy Jacquet’s emergence for Rennes last season was so spectacular that he was already being linked with a transfer to the Premier League by the summer. Arsenal chased the 20-year-old, who elected to turn them down and sign a contract extension in Brittany.

“It’s not been a decision that has yet paid off. Perhaps hampered by the overall difficulties of Habib Beye’s side, he has not been as assured a presence as he showed last season, yet there is no doubt the potential that he possesses, which is one day expected to make him a France international.”

Bairner added: “Mohamed Kader Meite was named France’s ‘Golden Kid’ back in June to recognise the impact that he made during his debut Ligue 1 campaign. Although he only scored two goals in 12 appearances, at 17 years old, he already looked like a seasoned top-flight pro.

“Having turned 18 in October, his physical attributes remain impossible to ignore. He stands at 1.93m and already knows how to use his body effectively, combining that with a good technical level and a powerful shot to make him difficult to contain.

“He’s a pure centre-forward of the modern variety and is Rennes’ third-youngest league scorer ever behind Desire Doue and Eduardo Camavinga.”

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