Arsenal have been urged to show patience in their pursuit of one promising young talent in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Arsenal will seek to take their first team squad to the next level again ahead of next season.
The North London club have shown a willingness to invest in youth in recent seasons. Big money has been spent on the likes of Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber, and Declan Rice, among others, who are all key figures in Mikel Arteta’s plans and aged 25 or under.
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are both only 22-years-old, whilst William Saliba is just 23-years-old.
Arsenal are now showing an interest in Desire Doue. The 18-year-old Rennes midfielder is already a key player for the French outfit, having made 42 appearances for the senior side across all competitions this season, chipping in with four goals and six assists.
Arsenal face battle with Manchester United to sign Desire Doue
However, the Gunners aren’t the only club to have had their interest piqued by the teenager. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, as quoted by Caught Offside: “Rennes wonderkid Desire Doue, who is doing fantastic with his performances in Ligue 1…Honestly, though, I could mention six or seven clubs interested in Doue – interest is strong, but it’s really early. So we have to be patient on this one. For sure, interest is there from several countries as he’s considered a top, top talent.”
Manchester United are amongst those other clubs with an interest in Doue.
Rennes will be keen to retain their prized assert if they can, or at the very least will want to fetch a significant fee for the teenager. A bidding war could soon see his price tag escalate far beyond a figure that Arsenal would be willing to shell out for his services.
Should Arsenal take a risk on Desire Doue?
Doue would certainly be an exciting addition to Arteta’s ranks, but it would undeniably represent a risk to bring him to the club this summer. Whilst he wouldn’t come to the Emirates Stadium as a nailed on starter, it could soon come to pass that Arsenal find themselves reliant upon him to star week in, week out for a stretch. A question mark remains as to whether the France under-23 international is ready to take up such a role for a side looking to compete for the Premier League title.
However, if Arsenal can add both Doue and a more experienced recruit to their midfield contingent this summer, then that would get fans excited. However, there is also the chance that Doue’s arrival could block Ethan Nwaneri’s path of progression to the first team.