Gracia reacts to Doucoure claiming interest from Liverpool and Spurs

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Watford’s Abdoulaye Doucoure is reportedly wanted by Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.

Watford boss Javi Gracia has told the Hertfordshire Mercury that he hasn’t spoken to midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure about interest from three Premier League giants.

Doucoure, 25, joined Watford from French side Rennes back in the summer of 2016 before spending time out on loan with sister club Granada, and he has become a star this season.

With seven goals from midfield in the Premier League, as well as two assists, Doucoure has been the heartbeat of this Watford side, under both Marco Silva and now Gracia.

Unsurprisingly though, much like teammate Richarlison, Doucoure’s impressive displays at Vicarage Road are sparking major interest, and the midfielder suggested earlier this week that he has a number of clubs pursuing his signature ahead of the summer transfer window.

As quoted by The Mirror, Doucoure revealed that Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are all keen to sign him, but his preference would be to sign for Arsenal due to the influence of manager and compatriot Arsene Wenger.

Docuoure will have to put any idea of a transfer to the back of his mind ahead of the summer, and must focus on this weekend’s home game against Everton, with Watford not totally safe just yet.

Ahead of that game, manager Gracia has spoken to the Hertfordshire Mercury about Doucoure’s situation, stating that he has had a conversation with Doucoure about this weekend’s game against Everton – but not about his comments.

Gracia added that he isn’t sure whether teams are keen on Doucoure, but he sees it as something of a compliment if they are, as it means his players are playing well.

“I have spoken with him about the movement when we play against Everton but not about that,” said Gracia. “I do not know if there are other big clubs interested in Doucoure or other players, but if there are clubs interested it is because they are playing well. I am interested in them playing well and we will see what happens in the future,” he added.