Liverpool now keen to sign ‘complete player’ who’s already been approached by Arsenal

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TBR Football can exclusively reveal that Liverpool and Newcastle United have both also shown interest in signing Arsenal target Jeremy Jacquet.

20-year-old centre-back Jacquet is beginning to make a real impression for Stade Rennais in France, where he’s just burst onto the first-team scene.

It’s been widely reported that Arsenal are interested in signing Jacquet, a defender who shares similarities with William Saliba.

Both French defenders are from the same part of Paris, Bondy, and Jacquet shares Saliba’s unusual levels of composure on the ball.

Of course, that explains why Arsenal have made an approach to sign Jacquet, but they are not alone in their interest.

Exclusive: Liverpool and Newcastle have shown interest in Arsenal target Jeremy Jacquet

TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey understands that Liverpool and Newcastle also appreciate Jacquet’s skill set, even if he has only made 12 appearances for the first team.

Unfortunately for all three English clubs, Rennes are currently insisting that Jacquet is not for sale following Arsenal’s approach.

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It’s understood that Jacquet is speaking to his camp about his future right now, even though he signed a new deal with Rennes in May.

There’s a feeling that interested clubs believe that Jacquet could still be available, and the idea of a club like Arsenal buying Jacquet and loaning him back to Rennes shouldn’t be ruled out.

Arsenal did similar when they bought Saliba from Saint-Etienne in 2019 — he didn’t make his debut under Mikel Arteta until 2022.

In theory, Newcastle would like to sign a centre-back for now, but Liverpool might also be able to accommodate an immediate loan back to Rennes.

TBR Football understands that Rennes are suggesting that Jacquet should wait until next year to assess his options, which might still be the most likely outcome amid this Premier League interest.

Jeremy Jacquet’s old coach expects big things from the French defender

Speaking back in 2023, Jacquet’s former reserve team coach at Rennes thought the centre-back had a big future ahead, calling him a c’omplete player’.

Jacquet suffered a serious knee injury very early in his career, but after making his first team debut last season, he looks to have put that issue firmly behind him.

Speaking about the defender’s potential two years ago, Pierre-Emmanuel Bourdeau said: “Despite everything, we know he’s a guy with great potential.

“His body’s been letting him down a bit this season. He’s been able to string together sessions and matches.

“He’s a guy who’s progressed enormously in the N2 championship, particularly in terms of maturity. He lacked a bit of reliability, but now he has a real defensive spirit and is capable of playing well on the rebound.

“He’s a complete player, who still has a lot of room for improvement.”

Of course, Jacquet has now made a lot of that progress, hence why clubs from England are taking notice.