Doucoure mentioned as Arsenal target

Watford faces a fight to keep hold of Abdoulaye Doucoure as Arsenal are the latest club to be linked with the midfielder.

New Gunners boss Unai Emery is keen to bring in a combative midfielder this summer and had been linked with Steven Nzonzi, who he worked with at Sevilla.

However, Sven Mislintat is believed to have told the Spaniard to instead target Doucoure and if Emery follows the advice of Arsenal’s head of recruitment Watford could face a struggle to keep hold of theur 2017-18 Player of the Season.

Doucoure, who is under contract with Watford until 2020, was linked with an exit during the previous campaign but stressed his commitment to finish the season with the Hornets whenever questioned on his future – but he refused to rule out a summer exit.

Even if Arsenal opt against a swoop Watford could still face a battle to convince Doucoure to remain at Vicarage Road as Liverpool and Spurs have been linked with the 25-year-old at regular intervals, while Manchester United have recently emerged as potential suitors.