Man Utd step up pursuit of Jeremy Jacquet amid growing Arsenal interest
Manchester United are preparing to accelerate their move for Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet, with club figures increasingly confident they can meet the expected fee and win a competitive race for one of Europe’s most promising young centre-backs.
Ruben Amorim is expected to strengthen his defensive options in the coming months, with senior figures aware that depth at centre-half must improve. Harry Maguire’s contract situation remains unresolved, while Lisandro Martínez’s ongoing injury challenges have left the squad exposed in key moments. Jacquet, who has been monitored extensively, has emerged as a leading option.
Rising talent attracting Premier League attention
Jacquet’s progress in Ligue 1 has not gone unnoticed. Scouts aligned with Man Utd have delivered exceptionally strong assessments of his defensive maturity, concentration, and physical profile. Those reports highlight aerial command, intelligent positioning, and composure in possession – attributes increasingly central to recruitment strategies at top Premier League clubs.
Arsenal have maintained long-term interest in the 20-year-old, viewing him as a high-upside addition who fits their broader blueprint under Mikel Arteta. Several other English clubs, including Chelsea, Tottenham and Crystal Palace, have explored his availability, while RB Leipzig have monitored developments from Germany.
Rennes, however, are understood to be braced for his departure. Internal conversations at the French club suggest an expectation that Jacquet’s next step will come sooner rather than later, and the emerging competition across the Premier League only reinforces that belief.
Transfer market dynamics favour determined bidders
The most striking aspect of this situation is Jacquet’s price. Rennes are expected to set an asking figure in the region of €30–40 million – a valuation widely viewed as excellent value for a defender of his potential. In a market where elite young centre-backs routinely attract significantly higher fees, this represents a rare chance for top clubs to secure an undervalued asset.
Sources close to the discussions suggest Man Utd see the fee as entirely reasonable, while Arsenal are believed to share a similar view. Those familiar with the negotiations describe the price as a “bargain”, and the financial element of the deal is unlikely to deter either side should they choose to formalise their interest.
Jacquet’s decision could hinge on project and pathway
With several clubs prepared to make a case, Jacquet’s choice will likely revolve around development opportunities and the sporting project most aligned with his ambitions.
Arsenal can offer a compelling environment. A squad shaped to challenge for major honours, a coaching staff with a strong track record of improving young players, and a clearly defined footballing identity all strengthen their case. However, the depth of the Gunners’ defensive unit may complicate the immediate pathway to regular minutes.
Man Utd, by contrast, can present a stronger argument for rapid integration. Amorim has prioritised youth development throughout his managerial career, and the club’s current defensive landscape offers room for a player of Jacquet’s profile to establish himself quickly. With structural changes behind the scenes and a renewed emphasis on strategic long-term recruitment, United’s project may appeal to a young defender seeking both opportunity and stability.
Chelsea also sit intriguingly in the background. Persistent injuries to senior defenders and inconsistent performances from others have created uncertainty in the back line at Stamford Bridge. Given their sustained commitment to youth-led rebuilds, they cannot be discounted.
As the race develops, the expectation is that Jacquet’s next step will come into sharper focus quickly. His availability, price and trajectory make him one of the most intriguing defensive prospects on the market – and Man Utd and Arsenal are both well aware of what is at stake.
