Fabrizio Romano: Arsenal make contact to sign another centre-back with Kiwior future uncertain

Arsenal were thought to have turned their attention to sealing one or two more attacking deals, but it now seems they could yet have more work to do in defence. Arsenal have made initial contact to express interest in Rennes centre-back Jérémy Jacquet, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Gunners admire the 20-year-old, who recently signed […]

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Fabrizio Romano: Arsenal make contact to sign another centre-back with Kiwior future uncertain

Arsenal were thought to have turned their attention to sealing one or two more attacking deals, but it now seems they could yet have more work to do in defence.

Arsenal have made initial contact to express interest in Rennes centre-back Jérémy Jacquet, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Gunners admire the 20-year-old, who recently signed a new contract with the French club until June 2029.

Jacquet, a right-footed central defender in the mould of William Saliba, is being tracked as a potential long-term option – either in case of a departure this month or looking ahead to 2026. His technical quality and composure on the ball have attracted interest from top clubs, with Arsenal now registering their intent early.

This development coincides with ongoing speculation over the future of Jakub Kiwior. Romano reports that several clubs remain interested in the 25-year-old, and while Mikel Arteta would prefer to keep him, Arsenal have already rejected a proposal from Portugal in July. A key factor could be Kiwior’s desire for regular first-team football as he enters the prime years of his career.

Kiwior proved to be a reliable deputy for Gabriel Magalhães in the latter stages of last season, offering left-footed balance and defensive composure. But with competition fierce at the Emirates, the Polish international may consider a move to secure more consistent minutes. If a significant offer – thought to be in the region of £40million – arrives, Arsenal may be tempted to cash in.

Who comes in for Kiwior may be significant, as that will dictate the price. Arsenal will surely only sell for a significant amount, and only certain clubs will have the financial power to make a successful bid.

That possibility would likely trigger further defensive reinforcements. The Gunners already added Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia earlier in the window. While Mosquera is also right-footed, he has shown the ability to play on either side of central defence. Jacquet, by contrast, is more stylistically aligned with Saliba, offering Arsenal a long-term project should they opt to let Kiwior depart.

An alternative is Arsenal keep Kiwior for another year and sign Jacquet on a buy and loaned back out, similar to what they did with William Saliba.

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For now, the situation remains fluid. Arsenal’s defensive plans could hinge on player decisions over the coming weeks, with the club prepared to act swiftly if circumstances shift.

For more updates on Arsenal transfer news, follow along as the window develops.

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