Stade Rennais defender Jeremy Jacquet has rejected a summer move to Arsenal, according to reports in France.
The 20-year-old enjoyed a breakout year last season and his form has attracted significant interest from Arsenal, despite the Gunners’ recent purchase of Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera.
However, Rennes will not sanction a sale this summer and Jacquet has now rejected the chance to join Arsenal ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
That is according to French publication Foot Mercato, who state that Jacquet has turned down an approach from Mikel Arteta’s side in favour of remaining with his boyhood club for at least another year.
The 20-year-old signed a contract extension valid until 2029 in May, although Arsenal remain interested in acquiring his signature and they have been tipped to pursue a deal next summer if they fail to reach an agreement before Deadline Day.
Jacquet spent the first-half of last season on loan at Clermont Foot, racking up 17 appearances in Ligue 2, before being recalled by Rennes during the January transfer window after a fantastic start to the campaign.
He subsequently started 11 of Rennes’ final 14 Ligue 1 matches and his form has attracted significant interest from Arsenal.
The expert’s opinion on Jeremy Jacquet: Why do Arsenal want him?
Ligue 1 expert Robin Bairner says: “Rennes’ 2025/26 was a nightmare campaign, but one of the bright spots was the performance of Jeremy Jacquet.
“The 20-year-old centre-back started the season on loan with Ligue 2 side Clermont, but after shining in the second flight was recalled at the end of the January transfer window.
“The Breton club signed poorly in the summer, with Leo Ostigaard’s arrival in the defence a notable catastrophe. Jacquet stepped up and proved an improvement on the hapless Norway international.
“Although he has only played 11 top-flight games, his development has been remarkable over the last 18 months and Arsenal’s interest in him reflects that.
“He is part of a long history of stars emerging from the Paris suburb of Bondy, which is of course spearheaded by Kylian Mbappe.”
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