Arsenal have watched Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet extensively and he is positioned highly in their list of potential defensive reinforcements, according to the BBC journalist Sami Mokbel.
A swoop for the 20-year-old Frenchman during the ongoing transfer window cannot be ruled out, but the Gunners may need to sell one of their defenders before formalising their interest in him.
Oleksandr Zinchenko is the likeliest to leave Arsenal this summer, and the Ukrainian has been told he can leave if a suitable offer arrives as he enters the last year of his contract.
The North London club admire Jacquet, but it remains to be seen whether they will be able to lure him away from the French club this summer.
Arsenal will continue to monitor his progress ahead of a potential move in the future should a summer swoop not materialise.
It has been reported that the France youth international wants to remain with Rennes beyond this summer after recently extending his deal.
However, nothing can be ruled out should the Gunners submit a juicy offer to the Ligue 1 club and convince the player to move.
Jakub Kiwior could look to leave as he wants regular playing time having found himself permanently behind Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba in the pecking order.
The Gunners have signed Spain youth international defender Christian Norgaard but could look to add another player in the position should the Pole leave, and a deal for Jacquet this summer cannot be completely ruled out yet.
The 6ft 2in defender loves to dribble, tackle and intercept the ball, and he is also a constant aerial threat in set-pieces.
Jacquet is also comfortable on the ball and is an expert in finding attacking teammates with long balls, and it is no surprise that he has caught the eye of Arsenal.
