Arsenal have their hopes set on signing a French youngster in the upcoming transfer window; however, they’re not the only team interested.
Arsenal reportedly have their eye on a potential new defensive signing, with the January transfer window incredibly close.
The Gunners have been following the French side Stade Rennais, centre back Jeremy Jaquet. Arsenal are said to be interested in the 20-year-old making his move to North London in the new year, however it may not be as simple as expected.
Arsenal are set to face Brighton today in an essential Premier League fixture for the Gunners. Mikel Arteta’s side is potentially going into the game one point behind Manchester City and no longer top of the league standings.
To ensure Arsenal can maintain their dominance this season, as well as end their six-year trophy drought, Arteta’s side will have to provide a strong back line, with their most recent link to Jaquet fitting this aim.
Is the price for Jaquet just too high?
Although the Spanish head coach has signed several defenders since starting his career at the Emirates, talks have shown that his interest has been piqued by Jaquet, who is said to have a ‘super high ceiling’.
However, Arsenal aren’t the only English side to be impressed by the French international, with last season’s Premier League winners Liverpool also said to be interested in signing the defender.
Despite the interest from both teams, The Athletic have reported that for Jaquet to make the move to England would be costly, potentially leaving the defender to remain in the Coupe de France.
Jaaquet’s price may be high; however, the 20-year-old is showing to be an impressive youngster to have in your squad. In 15 appearances this season, Jaquet has contributed to four clean sheets as well as being praised for his physicality and strong tackling ability.
London or Liverpool is the question
This season, it would be unfair to say Arsenal aren’t the more attractive team. They are top of the Premier League and Champions League, very much in the title race for both.
Even though Arsenal are yet to win the league under Arteta, they have consistently shown they can challenge at the top end of the table, with it certain that if Jaquet moved to North London, he’d be given a wide array of opportunities.
Although Liverpool have seen a dip in form this season, finding themselves 6th in the Premier League table they have proved they can win a title, currently holding the Premier League trophy.
Alongside this, Liverpool can also offer Jaquet a more certain place on their first team, with Ibrahima Konaté’s future for the Reds currently up in the air.
While Arsenal can offer the defender a more stable environment, Liverpool can offer him greater player time, giving him the chance to kickstart his Premier League career.
Arteta has seen injuries to big-name players in his squad, with key defender Gabriel Magalhaes picking up an injury in November during the international break, with his return is still not confirmed. Having Jaquet in Arsenal’s rotation would be vital in situations like this.
However, Arsenal are not short of defenders, with many of their players having experience playing in the centre-back role.
The likes of William Saliba, Ben White, and Jurrien Timber all have shown just how comfortable they are sitting in the middle of a backline. Arsenal already have an extensive squad, and adding another defender to this could almost be seen as a pointless transaction.