According to Foot Mercato, Arsenal are among clubs interested in Ismael Doukoure. The Valenciennes centre-back has become a hot prospect in the lower league market in France after making his breakthrough in professional football. As such, he is courted by the Gunners, as well as Premier League rivals Leicester City while RC Strasbourg are also keen.
Ismael Doukoure’s Rapid Rise To Prominence
A native of Lille, Ismael Doukoure is a product of the Valenciennes youth academy that has produced Dayot Upamecano. In fact, the youngster is widely being considered as the next Upamecano following his breakthrough in Ligue 2, in what is his debut campaign in professional football.
Indeed, the 17-year-old has become an ever-present figure at the heart of the Valenciennes backline especially since the start of February. He has notched up 12 league appearances, building a formidable defensive partnership alongside Eric Vandenabeele that has helped Les Atheniens remain afloat in mid-table.
A centre-back by trade, Doukoure has primarily impressed the onlookers with his pace and tackling prowess. Despite the tender age of 17, the Frenchman has also exhibited a composure that is well beyond his years, even though the defender does not boast a particularly intimidating frame.
As a result, the Valenciennes starlet has attracted the interest of several clubs across Europe and a move to any of the top five leagues could be on the horizon this summer.
Is Doukoure A Viable Investment For Arsenal?
Ismael Doukoure may not have the experience at the highest level of football, but at the age of 17, he certainly does have the potential to become a top-quality defender and potentially follow the footsteps of Upamecano.
It automatically makes the Frenchman a great investment option for a club like Arsenal that has nurtured a series of young players over a couple of years. Indeed, the likes of Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Reiss Nelson and Joe Willock all stem from the club’s youth academy.
There is an evident lack of defenders on that list, though, and that is where Doukoure could be a solid option.
The young Valenciennes centre-back could become an interesting first-team option for Arsenal, as Mikel Arteta’s desired alternative for the likes of Gabriel Magalhaes, Pablo Mari and Rob Holding. Alternatively, he could ply his trade with the reserve side in the Elite Development Squad, although the 17-year-old is likely to be considered as a part of the senior side alongside William Saliba.
The two will hope to make a breakthrough in the Arsenal ranks in the new season, with Doukoure, in particular, more than capable of becoming an asset for the club in the near future.
