Arsenal snubbed! Gunners rejected by Ligue 1 wonderkid as centre-back opts to stay put

Per Foot Mercato, Arsenal launched a bid to sign Jacquet from Stade Rennais this summer but were met with disappointment. The 20-year-old centre-back spent the second half of last season on loan at Clermont Foot in Ligue 2, and enjoyed a strong campaign to boot, and he has rejected the opportunity to move to England. 

Instead, Jacquet is set to continue his development, with Rennes offering him a long-term contract in reaction to the Gunners' bid. A France U21 international, he has made 12 first-team appearances for the club, and will now aim to make a significant impact in Ligue 1. Arsenal, for their part, have signed Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia to bolster their defence.

Jacquet would maybe have been seen as a depth option, a prospect for the Gunners to develop. He is capable of playing at both right-back and centre-back, and has even played in defensive midfield. 

Arsenal are continuing preparations for the Premier League season and face Villarreal on Wednesday.