Arsenal are beginning to turn a Liverpool target’s head as we enter the final few weeks of this summer transfer window, with Mikel Arteta‘s side making an approach for the player amid their long-winded pursuit of Eberechi Eze.
Sporting director Andrea Berta has already made quite the impression in his first summer operating as Edu’s replacement, spending north of £200 million on the signings of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera and star striker Viktor Gyokeres.
Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)
Money on new signings
19/20 – winter
£0
20/21 – summer
£81.5m
20/21 – winter
£900k
21/22 – summer
£156.8m
21/22 – winter
£1.8m
22/23 – summer
£121.5m
22/23 – winter
£59m
23/24 – summer
£208m
23/24 – winter
£0
24/25 – summer
£101.5m
24/25 – winter
£0
25/26 – summer
£208m
The Gunners are seemingly determined to end the club’s two-decade-long wait for another Premier League title, and despite their need to offload surplus squad members right now, Arsenal could still sign Eze before the window closes.
They view the England international as a more potent playmaker in terms of goals, and who could complement club captain Martin Odegaard in a central role (Sky Sports).
Eze is Arsenal’s top target from now until the transfer deadline on September 1, and they’re expected to make a formal bid for the Palace star after holding extensive talks with his representatives.
The 27-year-old has also spoken directly to both Arteta and Berta about joining Arsenal, according to Ben Jacobs for talkSPORT, with some initial talks taking place with Palace as the north Londoners aim to get his signing done for around £55 million.
However, Eze may not be there only signing in the next few weeks, with Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet believed to be a target as well.
The promising Ligue 1 sensation only signed a new deal until 2029 in May, but some reports suggest Jacquet is increasingly tempted by the prospect of a move to Arsenal, with Fabrizio Romano also reporting that an approach has been made.
Jeremy Jacquet debating future with camp as Arsenal and Liverpool eye moves
According to journalist Graeme Bailey for TBR Football, Jacquet is holding talks with representatives over his future amid this contact from Arsenal, while it is also believed that Premier League champions Liverpool have registered an interest.
While Rennes insist that he’s not for sale, the 20-year-old is still speaking to his camp about what could be next for him, so Jacquet’s head may be turning amid this attention from England.
There is a feeling among the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool that he could still be attainable despite Rennes’ stance, with the idea of a ‘buy-to-loan’ type move, similar to how Arteta’s side got William Saliba from Saint-Etienne, not ruled out.
Even in that scenario, Rennes would keep Jacquet in France for at least another season, but Arteta would have to wait before fully integrating him into the squad.
His price tag is rumoured to be around £25 million, which could be a savvy investment for the future considering his already-glowing reputation across the channel.
Jacquet has been dubbed the “technical leader of his generation” by his former development coach at Rennes, Pierre-Emmanuel Bordeau, and football writer Phil Costa believes he’s “one of the best defensive prospects in France” in a similar mould to Ben White.