Watford’s Abdoulaye Doucoure has confirmed interests from Premier League elites for his services and also revealed that Arsenal is his top choice. The 25-year-old was quoted, “It’s true that these clubs are interested. But I’m at Watford for the moment and I want to finish my season well.”
Abdoulaye Doucouré has been an inspiring figure for Watford this season both offensively and defensively. The Frenchman has stood out from the pack with 7 goals and 3 assists from 28 all around appearances. He has bossed the Hornets midfield alongside a host of midfielders who have been rotated around in the holding midfield role, but Doucoure has been a constant presence.
The Hornets started off the season in scintillating form and at some point even matched strides with Leicester and Burnley for the 7th spot, but now it looks like they have run out of steam and a series of injuries to key players have really stunted their progress.
Watford do not have the most illustrious history in this competition with just one runners-up appearance three decades back. Even in the current season, winning the trophy might not be in their topmost priorities while finishing well away from the relegation zone, is.
The newly appointed Javi Gracia has taken over the low morale squad and with the help of a few signings in the January window has resurrected the squad to winning ways. They are coming off a 2-0 loss to West Ham United in the league last week but the 4-1 thrashing they dealt out to Chelsea earlier in the month was an inspiring showing which has given them a better chance of finishing in the top half of the Premier League season.
Doucoure has been the driving factor from the heart of the park and has shown instances of absolute brilliance. A tall 6 feet figure with remarkable physical prowess will be the ideal addition to Arsenal’s attack-oriented lineup.
The North London club has seen the departure of long-serving Francis Coquelin in the last transfer window and with Granit Xhaka and Mohamed Elneny, Wenger might be short-staffed to handle the challenges of the following season.
Arsenal’s best chances of returning to the Champions League is by winning the Europa League this season and the challenge might be far greater than one would have expected. With Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig still alive in the competition Wenger will have his work cut out for him.
Doucoure can be the man to not only solidify the midfield but also give the team a defensive stability which they are desperate for. They currently the worst defensive record among the top 6 of the Premier League with 36 conceded goals.
