Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet has “refused” a move to Arsenal, according to reports in the French media.

Over the weekend, it was claimed that the Gunners had made an initial enquiry about signing the 20-year-old this summer.

Manager Mikel Arteta currently has sufficient numbers at the back, but there is a chance that Jakub Kiwior could leave the Emirates over the coming weeks.

Jacquet was reportedly lined up as a potential replacement for the Polish international, but Foot Mercato claim that Jacquet is keen to stay at Rennes, having only recently signed a new contract.

The Arsenal target has a lot of hype surrounding him

Some observers have labelled Jacquet as one of the most promising defensive prospects in the world, while others have likened him to William Saliba.

It is not a surprise that Gunners scouts have taken a shine to him, but it is understandable why the player feels he may not be ready to make the switch to the Premier League.

Jacquet has only made 18 appearances in top-flight football, and there is a case for saying that he should stay at Rennes to continue his development.

What is the situation with Kiwior?

Speaking about the 25-year-old on Saturday, journalist Fabrizio Romano said the defender’s future “remains open”. An offer from a Portuguese club was reportedly turned down earlier this summer, but he is also attracting interest from other teams.

Although Arteta is said to be keen on keeping him, Kiwior may be tempted to leave so he can play on a regular basis. He performed well in the last couple of months of the 2024/25 campaign, when Gabriel was sidelined with a serious hamstring injury.

However, with the Brazilian set to take his place back in the side for the start of the new season, Kiwior may feel that he needs to move on to pastures new.

Read more about the Arsenal First Team Squad for 2025/26 here