Leeds United made a late bid to sign Arsenal target Cheick Doucoure, but he is joining Crystal Palace instead, according to The Sun.
Leeds and Arsenal miss out on Cheick Doucoure to Crystal Palace
The Sun have reported that Crystal Palace are set to sign Doucoure from RC Lens in the summer transfer window.
The Eagles will reportedly pay RC Lens £18 million in transfer fees for the 22-year-old midfielder.
The Sun have claimed that Leeds made a late bid to get a deal done, but Doucoure decided to move to Palace after a chat with Eagles manager and Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira.
Patrick Vieira influential
Vieira reportedly made sure during his call to Doucoure that he joins Palace.
The Mirror reported on May 26 that Arsenal are very keen on the Mali international, but like Leeds, they too seem to have missed out on the signing of the youngster.
And it seems that it is due to the persuading power of Arsenal legend Vieira.
Stats
Doucoure made 33 starts and one substitute appearance in Ligue 1 for RC Lens last season.
The Malian midfielder scored one goal and gave four assist in those games.
The youngster made 30 starts and three substitute appearances in the league in 2020-21.
Doucoure scored two goals and gave one assist in those matches.
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