Watford’s Abdoulaye Doucoure will be in demand this summer.
Watford midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure has been quoted by The Mirror as saying that he would prefer a move to Arsenal over Liverpool and Tottenham this summer.
The Hornets have seen Doucoure become a star since his 2016 move from Rennes, and he has particularly impressed this season with seven goals in the Premier League.
Doucoure, 25, has been the heartbeat of the Watford midfield this season, and whilst his goals have earned him plaudits, his defensive work and all-round box-to-box midfield play has seen him receive rave reviews.
The Frenchman has been quoted as saying that Premier League trio Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are all keen to secure his services, meaning Watford may be fending off bids this summer.
Doucoure has also been quoted by The Mirror as saying that, of those three clubs, he would prefer to join Arsenal due to the presence of manager Arsene Wenger.
“Arsenal because of Arsène Wenger,” said Doucoure, who may now be left hoping that the Gunners firm up their interest at the end of the season.
Wenger remains a popular figure in his native France, but another season without a top four finish may just see the veteran manager finally leave the Emirates Stadium amid strong pressure from fans.
Wenger may not even be in charge when Arsenal come to make signings this summer, which may just give Liverpool and Spurs hope that they can win the race for Doucoure’s signature.
As things stand though, Doucoure appears to want the short move from Vicarage Road to the Emirates Stadium, and based on this season’s displays, he could be a smart addition to Arsenal’s engine room.
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