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Desire Doue, 18, is already a first-team regular with Rennes (Image: Getty)
Arsenal are reportedly among a host of English clubs keeping tabs on Rennes teenager Desire Doue. The attacking midfielder's Ligue 1 breakthrough has been compared to Wayne Rooney bursting onto the Premier League scene back in 2002 - three years before Doue was born.
The Rennes star is coming to the end of his second season as a first-team regular with eight goal contributions in 29 Ligue 1 matches. And his dynamic performances have earned him admirers at various top clubs.
According to TBR, Arsenal are preparing to compete for his signature when the inevitable transfer battle unfolds this summer. Manchester United are also in the mix, while Aston Villa, Chelsea and Newcastle United have all been keeping a close eye on Doue's progress.
Premier League suitors may have a financial edge over the likes of Barcelona and Napoli, who are also keen on the youngster.
Wayne Rooney broke into Everton's first team as a 16-year-old (Image: Getty)
An 18-year-old playing with such regularity in a top European league has seen Doue's rise to prominence compared to that of Rooney at Everton. Arsenal will hope, if they win the race for his signature, he can make an impact as powerful as Rooney did when he got his big move to Manchester United.
Doue is capped up to Under-21 level with France, where he plays alongside the likes of Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola, Bayern Munich wonderkid Mathys Tel and Chelsea's Malo Gusto.
Spots in Arsenal's midfield are hard to come by at present with Thomas Partey, Declan Rice and captain Martin Odegaard leading them down the home stretch of the campaign.
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A vacancy could soon open up, however, as Partey's future is uncertain and Jorginho is yet to sign a new contract. Doue is valued at just over £17million by Transfermarkt but, in the current market, would likely fetch Rennes a significantly higher fee.
Arsenal are reportedly hoping to recruit a new midfielder this summer. Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi is a long-term target but he is understood to have reservations about leaving Spain.
Elsewhere, Everton youngster Amadou Onana could be deemed too expensive at £60m, and Aston Villa may step in to prevent Douglas Luiz joining the Gunners.
