Liverpool are preparing a summer move for Watford midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure. According to recent reports in the English media, the Hornets midfielder has confirmed that a whole host of Premier League clubs which includes the Reds along with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing him this summer. However, if given the choice, he says that he would jump at the opportunity of making a switch to the Emirates Stadium. The French midfielder has arguably been the Hornets’ standout performer this season and has put in some dazzling displays in this Premier League campaign. He is currently leading the club’s goalscoring charts with seven goals to his name this term.
The 25-year-old has been touted to make a move away from Vicarage Road after the end of the current campaign, but Watford are reportedly eager to tie him down to a new and improved long-term contract. In a recent interview, Doucoure revealed that he is still committed to the Hornets cause but would snub both Tottenham and Liverpool in favour of a move to North London to play under the stewardship of Arsene Wenger. He was quoted to have said,
“It’s true that these clubs are interested,”
“But I’m at Watford for the moment and I want to finish my season well.”
When asked about which club is his preference, the 25-year-old said, “Arsenal, because of Arsene Wenger,”
The Reds are currently sitting in 3rd place in the Premier League table after earning a comfortable 2-0 victory away at Southampton in their last league outing. The Anfield-based club find themselves just above Chelsea, who are in fourth place with a point separating the two teams at the moment. However, Jurgen Klopp’s side are a staggering 18 points behind league leaders Manchester City. The addition of Doucoure will definitely bolster Klopp’s midfield options at the club but with the imminent arrival of Naby Keita, it’s hard to see how he will get regular game time in Merseyside if he ends up making a switch to Anfield.
Doucoure has scored 7 goals and provided 3 assists in 28 matches for Watford this season in all competitions. He will undoubtedly make the Liverpool midfield stronger but there are serious doubts on whether he can adapt to the high-intensity playing style of Jurgen Klopp. Hence, it seems a transfer to Arsenal or extending his stay at Watford could be beneficial for all parties.
It remains to be seen what lies ahead in the future of the Frenchman and whether he ends up plying his trade elsewhere next summer.
