Club president admits £34m player could leave with Arsenal watching him closely

Wed 12 June 2024 7:35, UK

Having quietly followed one of Europe’s most promising youngsters of late, Arsenal have now been handed some real encouragement.

Right now, it feels as if Arsenal’s summer transfer plans are up in the air following the news that Benjamin Sesko will stay at RB Leipzig – at least that’s the public perception.

Behind closed doors, Arsenal aren’t rocked, they knew it was a strong possibility that Sesko would stay in Germany.

And in truth, their pursuit of the 21-year-old now seems like the result of a market opportunity, rather than the club’s definite need for a new striker.

Moreover, if Arsenal now decide not to pursue a new centre-forward at all this summer, it does leave a lot of funds to be invested elsewhere.

And despite the form of Leandro Trossard towards the end of the season, Arsenal did still look a little light out wide in attack.

To that end, TBR Football recently shared that Arsenal had been watching talented Stade Rennais attacker Desire Doue for some time.

Stade Rennais president admits Arsenal target Desire Doue could leave this summer

Along with Manchester United, Arteta’s side have been considering a move for Doue, and may have now been handed some encouragement from Rennes’ club president.

Speaking to in France, Olivier Cloarec was asked about Doue’s future after Rennes failed to qualify for Europe for the first time in seven years – a big blow for the club.

FC Metz v Stade Rennais FC - Ligue 1 Uber Eats 2023/2024 — Photo by Sandra Ruhaut/Icon Sport via Getty Images

As a result of missing out, Rennes are expected to sell players this summer, and Cloarec was specifically asked about Doue, .

Asked if Doue leaving was inevitable this summer, Rennes’ president was very honest.

Cloarec replied: “We know that since he was young, he has been followed by the biggest European clubs. That won’t change this summer and we’ll see depending on the offers [whether he leaves].”