Arsenal have joined the race to sign 18-year-old Stade Rennais midfielder Desire Doue, according to a report.
French outlet Ouest-France (via GFFN) report that Arsenal have joined Manchester United and PSG in showing an interest in Desire Doue of Stade Rennais.
Other clubs such as Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, and Bayer Leverkusen are also interested in the player, but only Arsenal, United, and PSG are believed to be able to afford him this summer.
Rennes are willing to listen to offers north of €40m (£34m), but they’re hoping an eventual deal could even go as high as €70m (£60m) when including bonuses.
Rennes boss Julien Stephan appeared to suggest that the club are likely to lose Doue this summer, speaking in a recent interview.
“We know today’s market, notably for the very young players,” Stephan said.
“He will decide through his personal ambition. I’m not naive. We’re glad to have developed him during the second part of the season.
“He’s at risk of leaving without a single full season here, that’s a shame. I would have liked that; that would have been an ideal situation.”
Doue made 42 appearances for the Rennes senior side this season, scoring four goals and providing six assists. 25 of those appearances were starts.
The teenager split his time between various positions, as he’s capable of playing in midfield or out on the wings, but he primarily featured as a left winger.
Having featured for the France u23s in a couple of friendlies over the March international break, scoring two goals in two games, it seems likely Doue will be involved for his country at the Olympics this summer.