Chelsea join Bundesliga giants and Arsenal in race to sign teenage Ligue 1 star - Reports
Chelsea have made the decision to join Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and fellow Premier League side Arsenal in the race to sign Desire Doue.
The Stade Rennais winger has taken Ligue 1 by storm, scoring four goals and assisting five times in 31 league appearances. The 19-year-old's quality on the ball has impressed scouts from bigger European clubs, and they have flocked to make a bid for his services.
According to a report from Le Parisien (via GFFN), Bayern Munich already submitted an offer worth €35 million, which was rejected by Stade Rennais.
After notably selling Jeremy Doku to Manchester City last summer for an impressive €60 million, the French club is hoping to make good money from this deal. They believe Desire Doue is worth as much as they sold Doku for, with bonuses and other fees included.
Paris Saint-Germain have also reportedly gotten in on the action. However, the Parisians and the already-bidding Germans will have to keep their eyes on other competition.
Arsenal are reportedly interested in Doue, and they are joined by fellow London clubs Chelsea and Tottenham.
Time will tell where Doue will end up playing next season. In the meantime, though, he will be hoping to get into pre-season in full-swing and strong shape.
Arsenal and Chelsea target hits back at interested Barcelona president
Desire Doue isn't the only player Arsenal and Chelsea are looking at. They also have their eyes on Nico Williams, whose impressive La Liga campaign last season did not go unnoticed.
The young winger has also showcased brilliant performances with Spain. He has scored a goal and provided an assist in five appearances at Euro 2024.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta recently name-checked the Athletic Bilbao winger, admitting that they were hoping to sign him, stating (via London World):
“At the moment, we can afford to sign Nico Williams financially speaking. I like Nico Williams a lot. We have to let Deco work to try to close the deal. I hope they give us good news.
“Obviously I like him a lot. But here we have to let those who have the responsibility work, and Deco is working to make the signings that he and Flick have discussed, and I hope to have good news.”
This did not sit well with the 22-year-old, who has helped Spain reach the final of EURO 2024 without losing a single game. He told reporters ahead of the ultimate clash against England, which will take place at the Olympiastadion Berlin (via London World):
“I don’t like people talking about this now when I’m focused on winning the Euros."
This may not necessarily affect Barcelona's interest in his services. However, Arsenal and Chelsea will look to up their interest in the winger, who created 19 assists in all appearances last season.