- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Arsenal have been looking at Rennes talent Jeanuel Belocian as an alternative target to Ajax defender Jorrel Hato.
HITC Football understands that Arsenal are continue to look at left sided options to bolster their defence, having missed out on Ajax’s Jorrel Hato.
Hato signed a new contract with Ajax on Tuesday, committing his future to the Amsterdam giants until the summer of 2028.
HITC can reveal that the Gunners are maintaining an interest in Hato moving forward, but they are also looking at other potential options.
HITC understands one player they have done work on in recent months is Rennes teenager Jeanuel Belocian.
The French Under-21 international has progressed through Rennes’ youth system and has started over a dozen games this season – predominantly in central defence but he can also play left-back.
That is a skill set that has impressed Arsenal, but it is also believed that Italian side AC Milan have watched him.
Who is Arsenal target Jeanuel Belocian?
Belocian was born and raised in Guadeloupe and joined the Rennes ranks at the age of 15.
The defender turned out for Rennes II and secured a first professional contract in November 2021, four months before his senior debut with the club.
The teenager is also the brother of hurdler and sprinter Wilhem Belocian, with sport certainly a key factor in his family.
Belocian has now made 34 first-team appearances for Rennes, showing real promise in Ligue 1.
Belocian has also earned two caps for the France Under-21’s, landing both caps under Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.
Henry has deployed Belocian as both a centre back and and a left back, showcasing the kind of versatility Arsenal are seeking.
Still only 19, Belocian is certainly one for the future and Arsenal will be watching him closely after Hato’s decision to stay at Ajax.
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