Why Abdoulaye Doucoure to Arsenal would bolster their midfield
According to Daily Mirror (h/t The Express), Arsenal have set their sights on signing Watford star Abdoulaye Doucoure ahead of next season.
Doucoure, 27, flourished through the ranks of Rennes’ youth system and made 92 first-team appearances before joining Watford in 2016. He was immediately sent on loan to La Liga side Granada and returned after a six-month spell in Spain. Since returning to Vicarage Road, he has been a regular member of the squad.
Despite the club’s poor performances in the last few years, Doucoure has been at his best. He has adapted to the conditions of the Premier League well and has been one of the best players in the Hornets’ squad.
His impressive performances have also attracted the attention of Everton, as per the report. Thus, Arsenal should make a move for him at the earliest as the report suggests that the midfielder is willing to quit Watford.
Doucoure could provide depth in Arsenal’s midfield
At the moment, the Gunners have limited options in the midfield. Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira are the only two defensive midfielders, whereas, Joe Willock, Dani Ceballos and Matteo Guendouzi are the only available attack-minded midfielders.
However, Ceballos’ future with the club remains uncertain as he could head back to Real Madrid after his loan spell ends. Guendouzi hasn’t featured since the game against Brighton and doesn’t seem to have a future at Emirates. And this could further limit Arsenal’s options in the middle of the park. Thus, a midfielder is a must ahead of next season.
In that regard, making a move for Doucoure seems to be sensible. The Frenchman has been in fine form in the last few years and has also added goals to his game. He racked up 7 goals and 4 assists in the 2017 /18 season and followed it up with 5 goals and 6 assists in the following season. This term, he contributed with 4 goals and 2 assists despite Watford’s abysmal campaign.
A box-to-box midfielder, Doucoure could be a solid addition to Arteta’s squad that has limited options in midfield. His inclusion would definitely provide them with some much-needed depth and if he is able to continue with the fine form, he could be a crucial player for the Gunners next season.
Read more
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Verdict
With Ceballos and Guendouzi’s future uncertain, it is clear that Arsenal are in dire need of bolstering their midfield. Doucoure has been consistent in the last few years and he could be of great use to Arsenal. The Gunners must get him this summer.