Arsenal ready to complete €40m deal after transfer agreement

Cameron Smith
Cameron Smith
  • 16 Jan 2026 09:58 GMT
  • 4 min read
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, 2025/26
© IMAGO

Arsenal have reportedly emerged as “genuine contenders” to sign Stade Rennais defender Jeremy Jacquet amid competition from Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid.

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The France U21 international has established himself as one of the most sought-after youngsters in world football over the past 12 months and he has been widely tipped to secure a lucrative transfer during the upcoming summer window.

Current ETV
Player image Jérémy Jacquet
Jérémy Jacquet

D (CR)

Jérémy Jacquet
Jérémy Jacquet

D (CR)

Rennes

Rennes

€17.8M

ETV Range

€16M - €19.6M

Rennes are currently reluctant to sanction a mid-season sale as they battle to qualify for European football, but they are understood to be open to a departure this summer if they receive a suitable offer.

Reports have speculated that a fee of €40 million may be enough to finalise a deal for Jacquet later this year, although Rennes are hoping for a bidding war amid significant interest in their prized defender.

Chelsea are regarded as strong candidates to land the 20-year-old as they look to bolster the defensive options at Liam Rosenior’s disposal, with the west London giants even willing to pursue a January deal in order to help their new boss deal with a congested fixture schedule.

However, TEAMtalk state that Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is keeping close tabs on Jacquet’s development at Rennes ahead of a move this summer.

Jeremy Jacquet, Rennes
© IMAGO - Jeremy Jacquet, Rennes

Jeremy Jacquet eyed as Ben White replacement

While Jacquet is naturally a central defender, he is also capable of playing as a right-back and TEAMtalk claim that he is viewed as a possible replacement for Ben White, who could leave the club this summer.

The ex-Brighton & Hove Albion star is firmly behind Jurrien Timber in the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium and Everton are among the clubs keeping a keen eye on his situation ahead of a potential swoop.

However, Arsenal officials have agreed that a transfer will not be sanctioned in January as they look to win a first Premier League title since 2004.

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