Arsenal have made contact with Stade Rennais and Desire Doue’s camp over a potential transfer, but they’re one of many in the race.

Brest's Romain Del Castillo (L) fights for the ball with Rennes' 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 via Getty Images)
Brest’s Romain Del Castillo (L) fights for the ball with Rennes’ 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 via Getty Images)

TheSecretScout report that Arsenal are one of seven clubs to have made contact with Stade Rennais and Desire Doue’s representatives over a potential transfer, with the Ligue 1 club preparing to lose the 18-year-old this summer.

Fabrizio Romano confirms that there are at least six or seven clubs with an interest in Doue, but the situation is still in the early stages.

CaughtOffside report that sources claim Arsenal have scouted Doue closely in recent times, and they’re now set to hold initial talks over a potential transfer. Bayer Leverkusen and Napoli are also set to do the same.

Rennes' Desire Doue celebrate after scoring his team's opening goal during the French L1 football match between Stade Rennais FC and Toulouse FC at The Roazhon Park Stadium in Rennes, western France, on April 13, 2024. (Photo by FRED TANNEAU/AFP via Getty Images)
Rennes’ Desire Doue celebrate after scoring his team’s opening goal during the French L1 football match between Stade Rennais FC and Toulouse FC at The Roazhon Park Stadium in Rennes, western France, on April 13, 2024. (Photo by FRED TANNEAU/AFP via Getty Images)

Last week, French outlet Ouest-France reported that Arsenal were showing an interest in Doue, with the club willing to listen to offers north of €40m (£34m).

Rennes are hoping that with all the interest in the teenager, an eventual deal could even go as high as €70m (£60m) when including bonuses.

Manager 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.”

Rennes' Desire Doue reacts during the French L1 football match between FC Lorient and Toulouse FC at Stade du Moustoir in Lorient, western France, on April 28, 2024. (Photo by LOU BENOIST/AFP via Getty Images)
Rennes’ Desire Doue reacts during the French L1 football match between FC Lorient and Toulouse FC at Stade du Moustoir in Lorient, western France, on April 28, 2024. (Photo by LOU BENOIST/AFP via Getty Images)

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.