Doucoure wrote that this “last game at The Vic is the best time to thank you fans and be grateful of what we achieved”. The whole message had a ‘farewell’ tone to it:

Today is the last game at home of the season. Our place in Premier League stays uncertain until it’s done, but I’m confident Watford will be there next season. We will do our best. We always fought and worked hard to get through the bad streaks. 1/2

— Abdoulaye Doucouré (@abdoudoucoure16) May 5, 2018

For me, it’s been an incredible season here at Watford. The club gave me the chance to play at the highest level and to improve a lot. I believe this last game at The Vic is the best time to thank you fans and be grateful of what we achieved, for now, together. #COYH 2/2

— Abdoulaye Doucouré (@abdoudoucoure16) May 5, 2018

Although the message wasn’t explicit in telling supporters he’s going, Watford fans certainly seemed convinced that the message meant their midfield maestro is on the way out:

In other words……. bye

— Kevin Robins (@SimmoWFC83) May 5, 2018

Goodbye Doucs 💛🖤

— Will (@DeuIxfeuV2) May 5, 2018

Sounds like this is a goodbye, thanks for the memories 👍🐝

— James (@batchiej) May 5, 2018

Thanks for the memories doucs👍🏼

— Tim (@timwfcmay) May 5, 2018

DON’T LEAVE ME

— Aadil (@aadilsham) May 5, 2018

Doucoure has run the show for Watford at times this season, so it’s no surprise the fans don’t want to see him go. He’s strong on the ball, carries it well and helps out at both ends of the pitch.

He has seven goals and three assists from midfield this season, and many of them in big games as well. He scored against Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United, and assisted two against Chelsea as well. That means half of his goal contributions came against the big-six.

Arsenal are starting to run low on central midfielders, especially if Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla don’t renew their contracts. Francis Coquelin left earlier in the season, of course. Plus, Doucoure would add a bit more of a physical presence to the midfield.

Reports from earlier in the season suggest Arsenal would have to pay around £40m for the player. We’ll see if that’s accurate when the window opens in the coming weeks.

Click ‘Next’ for 6 more midfielders Arsenal could sign this summer