Arsenal transfer news: 'Initial contact' made with 20-year-old defender amid William Saliba Real Madrid threat

Arsenal have reportedly made 'initial contact' to express an interest in 20-year-old Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, as Mikel Arteta plans for possible defensive departures.

The Gunners have already captured Spain Under-21 international Cristhian Mosquera during the summer transfer window, and the former Valencia man made his debut in Thursday's 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur.

Mosquera is one of six new faces to arrive at the Emirates ahead of the 2025-26 season, as Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Noni Madueke and Christian Norgaard have also touched down in North London.

Head coach Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta are still looking for further ways to improve the squad, and Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze is thought to be their top transfer priority.

However, Arsenal would supposedly not be averse to more additions in defence, as Fabrizio Romano claims that the three-time Premier League champions have touched base to register their interest in Jacquet.

Arsenal 'make contact' over Jacquet: Who is young Rennes defender?

The 2005-born defender joined the Rennes youth academy in 2019 and made his first-team debut in the 2023-24 season, shortly before being sent out on loan to Clermont in the second tier.

Jacquet made a positive impression at Clermont with two goals and two assists from 24 appearances in all competitions, and he blossomed into a crucial player for Rennes in the second half of last season.

After returning from his temporary spell with Les Lanciers, Jacquet started 11 Ligue 1 contests for Rennes, thus earning himself a new long-term contract until the end of the 2028-29 campaign.

The 6ft 3in defender - who can play as a right-back and centre-back - also won his first two caps for the France Under-21 side in March, and Arsenal are said to be keen admirers of the youngster, in spite of his recent new deal.

Romano adds that Jacquet could become a genuine option for Arsenal this summer in case any more defenders leave, or the Gunners could hold fire for now and make a move in 12 months' time.

Which defenders could leave Arsenal to make room for Jacquet?

Arsenal could sign a young French defender to replace a young French defender they brought to the club six years ago, as William Saliba's long-term future is still clouded in uncertainty while his contract situation is yet to be addressed.

The former Saint-Etienne starlet sees his deal expire in 2027, and Real Madrid are not thought to have lost sight of Saliba, whom they supposedly briefly considered moving for this summer.

Los Blancos accepted that a deal for the 24-year-old this time around would have been a non-starter and swooped for Dean Huijsen instead, but they may be banking on Saliba running down his contract and either leaving for cheap in 2026 or for nothing in 2027.

In addition, Jakub Kiwior may be allowed to leave for the right price following Mosquera's arrival, while Arsenal terminated the contract of the injury-plagued Takehiro Tomiyasu earlier this summer.