Rennes are now preparing to lose a key man – after reports claimed Arsenal had enquired about a summer deal.
Despite the Gunners scoring 91 goals in 38 Premier League outings last season, Mikel Arteta is still looking to improve his attack at the Emirates Stadium.
Now, one of the most precocious prospects in Europe – who some have compared to Wayne Rooney – is expected to leave Rennes amid interest from Arsenal…
Rennes expect to lose Arsenal target Desire Doue
French journalist Abdellah Boulma now claims that Rennes are preparing for the departure of Desire Doue this summer.
It comes after the Daily Mail claimed that Arsenal have made contact with the Ligue 1 outfit to ask what it would take to sign him – Rennes are believed to want £35m.
Doue, who is just 18 years of age, shone for Rennes in the 2023/24 campaign, making 17 starts in Ligue 1 as he scored four goals and provided five assists in France’s top-flight.
TBR Football understand the Rennes No.33 has been the subject of regular visits from Arsenal scouts this season, with Manchester United also showing an interest.
Doue – a France U23 international – has mostly appeared on the left flank, although he can operate centrally as well as on the right.
A scout report from Breaking The Lines even likened the teenager to a young Rooney, highlighting their upper body strength and immense technical skills as comparable traits.
Frenchman could replace Gabriel Jesus
As aforesaid, Doue can play centrally, so Arteta and Edu may be targeting the Angers-born forward as a replacement for Gabriel Jesus.
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A story from The Athletic claims that the Gunners are ready to sell the Brazil international this summer, following a difficult 2023/24 campaign in which he scored just four Premier League goals.
Doue could even end up simply being a replacement for Eddie Nketiah instead – another who has been strongly linked with an exit from Arsenal this summer.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Rennes prepare to let Doue depart.