Arsenal have just begun talks to sign the next William Saliba

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Under the guidance of new sporting director Andrea Berta, Arsenal have already made several quality additions this summer.

Perhaps the pick of the deals is both Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyokeres, two players who will immediately improve Arsenal’s starting eleven.

TBR Football recently revealed that Gyokeres was already impressing Arsenal coaches in training, and the Swede should get a chance to impress during the Emirates Cup.

Of course, Mikel Arteta’s broader squad depth has also been extensively improved as well this summer.

Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke and Cristhian Mosquera will all play important roles over the season to come, three players who wouldn’t look out of place in the starting side either.

And with that in mind, Arsenal have now begun talks to sign another player who could help in that regard.

Arsenal have made initial contact to sign Jeremy Jacquet from Stade Rennais

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano who posted his update on X, Arsenal have now made ‘initial contact’ to sign Stade Rennais’ Jeremy Jacquet.

20-year-old Jacquet has now made two appearances for France U21s after progressing through Rennes’ academy to the first team.

READ MORE: Andrea Berta just rejected a bid for Arsenal star who Mikel Arteta called ‘exceptional’

The centre-back has currently made 12 senior appearances for the Ligue 1 side, highlighting that he’s still short on experience, even if he is brimming with ability.

And sharing his update, Romano said that Arsenal would be willing to wait until 2026 to sign Jacquet, if a deal didn’t happen before the end of August.

He said: “Understand Arsenal have made initial contact to show interest in French 19 year old centre back Jeremy Jacquet.

“Arsenal like Jacquet who recently signed new deal at Rennes until June 2029.

“He’s on the list as option in case of exits this month…or eventually for 2026.”

Jeremy Jacquet could follow William Saliba’s path to Arsenal

Of course, it’s almost impossible to therefore not draw comparisons to William Saliba, who followed a very similar path to Arsenal.

Just like Saliba, Jacquet is also a towering right-footed centre-back from the same part of Paris, Bondy.

And perhaps explaining Arsenal’s interest, Jacquet seems equally comfortable in possession as Saliba at an early age.

The 20-year-old is already capable of defence-splitting passes through the lines, underlining his potential to be able to become one of the best in Europe.

Of course, Arsenal want to give Saliba a new long-term contract — there’s no suggestion that Jacquet would be seen as a long-term replacement for the France international.

And perhaps just like Saliba, Jacquet might be loaned back to France or another top European league were Arsenal able to agree a deal.