Arsenal are reportedly ‘emerging as real contenders’ to sign Stade Rennais centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, as per TEAMtalk.

The Gunners decided to reinforce the backline by signing Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié last summer. As a result, Mikel Arteta currently has a deep defensive department.

William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes have been the first-choice centre-back pairing, with Mosquera and Hincapié the backup options. The Ecuadorian can even provide cover at left-back if needed.

Ben White and Jurrien Timber are the right-back options, while Riccardo Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly are the left-backs. White, Timber, and Calafiori can even play in the centre-back position.

However, TEAMtalk claim that following White’s recent injury problems, Arsenal are prepared to let him leave and have identified Jacquet as a serious option to replace the former Brighton man. The 20-year-old is a centre-back by trait but is also comfortable in the right-back position.

The Gunners’ sporting director, Andrea Berta, has been keeping a close eye on the Frenchman’s recent development, and Arsenal are ‘huge fans’ of him. Therefore, the North London club are ‘emerging as real contenders’ to secure his services.

However, the report state that Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea are also keen on...