Arsenal have one of the best attacking units in the Premier League, but it seems that manager Mikel Arteta thinks that there is still room for improvement.
While the general consensus is that Arsenal need to sign a top-quality striker, such as Ivan Toney, in the summer transfer window, not many will say that bringing in a new wide player or attacking midfielder should be a top priority for the North London club.
After all, Arsenal have some very good creative players. Martin Odegaard is one of the best attacking midfielders in the Premier League, Bukayo Saka has developed into a goal machine, Leandro Trossard has emerged as a matchwinner, and Gabriel Martinelli is only 22 and will get better.
Yes, it seems that Arteta thinks that Arsenal need reinforcement in that area, as speculation has emerged that the Gunners are looking at a potential deal for Desire Doue.
Arsenal have asked about Desire Doue
According to The Daily Mail, Arsenal are among the clubs who are keen on signing Doue from Rennes in the summer transfer window. The report has claimed that the North London club have “asked” about the 18-year-old attacking midfielder.
Lille will demand over £35 million with substantial add-ons for Doue, who can operate as an attacking midfielder or on the wing.
Arsenal, though, are not the only club who are actively showing interest in Doue. The Daily Mail has noted that Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund all have inquired about a potential deal for the 18-year-old.
Desire Doue has won more dribbles than Bukayo Saka
Desire Doue is only 18, but the Rennes playmaker already has a fair amount of first-team experience under his belt.
The teenager has played in the UEFA Europa League for the past two seasons. In 2023-24, he scored four goals and gave four assists in 17 Ligue 1 starts, while in 2022-23, Doue scored three goals and provided one assist in 11 league starts.
The Daily Mail has noted that Doue has completed a total of 64 dribbles in Ligue 1 this season. That is more than Arsenal starboy Bukayo Saka, who completed 49 dribbles in the Premier League this season.
True, Ligue 1 is not at the level of the Premier League, but for an 18-year-old to complete over 60 dribbles in a major domestic league is very promising.