Arsenal Are Locked In A Three-Way Battle For This Ligue 1 Starlet: One For The Future? | OneFootball

In a recent tweet, French journalist Abdellah Boulma stated that Arsenal are locked in a three-way battle for Stade Rennais starlet Desire Doue. It has been claimed that the Gunners would have to rival Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United in the race to land the French attacker this summer.

Doue has enjoyed a decent campaign at the French club after he put in a handful of promising displays for them in the final third. The 18-year-old has banged in four goals and picked up six assists in 43 appearances for Rennes this season across all fronts.

The Angers-born talent has been a consistent performer in the opposition half as he is averaging 1.1 shots, 1.0 key passes and 2.1 dribbles per 90 minutes in Ligue 1. He has even distributed the ball relatively well based on his pass completion rate of 79% in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).

Doue is under contract at the French club until the summer of 2026. Hence, the Gunners would have to launch a convincing offer if they are serious about winning the race for his services later this year.

Brest’s French forward #10 Romain Del Castillo (L) fights for the ball with Rennes’ French midfielder #33 Desire Doue during the French L1 football match between Stade Rennais FC and Stade Brestois 29 (Brest) at the Roazhon Park stadium in Rennes, western France, on April 28, 2024. (Photo by Lou BENOIST / AFP)

Arsenal Are Locked In A Three-Way Battle For Doue: Is He A Prospect For The Future?

Doue is a good dribbler with the ball at his feet and can make a few driving runs with the ball in the opponent’s half. He has got the vision to engineer some inviting chances for his teammates up top and can strike the ball with power from long range.

The French whizkid has done well to contribute by scoring and creating his fair share of goals for Rennes this season. He is primarily an attacking midfielder but can also serve as a left-sided wide player or as a box-to-box midfielder if required.

At 18, there is no denying that Doue is a prospect to watch out for in the future. Therefore, the Gunners would be wise to get a deal done for him in the upcoming transfer period. He has the potential to grow into a top player under the stewardship of Mikel Arteta at the North London club.

Doue is already good enough to help Arsenal challenge across all competitions in the coming years. Thus, Arteta should focus on bringing him to the Emirates Stadium later this summer.