Arsenal could miss out on a very impressive defensive transfer to Chelsea, new reports have confirmed.
Andrea Berta is unlikely to sign new players in January, but that doesn’t mean that he’s not getting his ducks in a row ahead of the summer transfer window.
Though the squad depth currently available to Mikel Arteta is impressive, there’s work to be done.
Arsenal desperately need to improve in attack, which has fans dreaming about potential attacking signings; however, if there’s one thing we know about Arteta, it’s that a defensive transfer is always tempting.
Since last summer, Arsenal have been admirers of Jeremy Jacquet of Stade Rennais, but they might be at risk of missing out on the 20-year-old’s signature.
Be honest. Do Arsenal really need another defender?
Chelsea are in talks with Arsenal transfer target Jeremy Jacquet
It was only a number of days ago that it was reported that Arsenal are serious contenders to sign Jacquet in the summer.
Things have changed since, as The Athletic have just revealed that Chelsea are in talks to sign the Frenchman.
Chelsea’s interest in the player has been well-documented, but now, the Blues are ready to take the next step, currently discussing a deal to sign the 2005-born talent.
There’s still some hope for Arsenal, as it’s understood that while discussions are ‘ongoing’, no deal has been agreed yet.
In their report, The Athletic mentioned the Gunners’ ‘long-term interest’, but noted that Arsenal signed Cristhian Mosquera instead of the France U21 international after summer discussions.
Mosquera’s arrival didn’t end interest in Jacquet, but now, Chelsea are ready to acquire the centre-back.
Targets like Jacquet could uncover an unwanted transfer trend at Arsenal
Having extensively studied the defender’s game, scout Antonio Mango described Jacquet as ‘exceptional’ among many other hard-earned superlatives.
The Frenchman is one of the best in his age group in Europe, which is why Arsenal want him, but also why the Gunners’ interest could amount to nothing.
Which defender should Andrea Berta sign for Arsenal now after Marc Guehi joins Manchester City?
The reason for this could be comparable to an issue raised when Marc Guehi was linked to Arsenal, as it’s clear that any centre-back Berta signs is not going to be first choice.
At clubs like Chelsea, who have a massively inferior defence to Arsenal, Jacquet would be a starter, but at the Emirates, he’d be joining a queue to get minutes.
The door isn’t closed, but, despite Arsenal’s strength right now, the pull may not be as great in the defensive market due to the inability to offer consistent game time.
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