Man Utd and Arsenal eye wonderkid that team-mates claim is 'best they have seen'

Manchester United and Arsenal are set to go head-to-head to sign French wonderkid Desire Doue.

The young midfielder has emerged as one of the most exciting talents in Ligue 1 over the past season-and-a-half with Rennes. His form has caught the eye of a host of clubs in the Premier League, who could formalise their interest this summer.

According to Mail Online, United and Arsenal have both submitted enquiries regarding his services. Tottenham are also noted to be among those tracking him.

Interest is not just limited to the Premier League. European clubs such as Paris St Germain, Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund are all tracking Doue.

The 18-year-old has just two years left on his contract with Rennes. The French side are open to a sale but only in the region of around £35m with significant add-ons.

Rennes boss Julien Stephan spoke out on the youngster’s future at the weekend and admitted an exit is possible. He said: “We know today’s market, notably for the very young players. He will decide through his personal ambition. I’m not naive.

“We’re glad to have developed him during the second part of the season. He’s at risk of leaving without a single full season here, that’s a shame. I would have liked that; that would have been an ideal situation.”

Doue has made 76 appearances for Rennes since breaking into the team. He has scored eight goals and provided seven assists.

Some of his teammates are huge fans and have even claimed that he is the ‘best they have seen’. While Arsenal and United are vying for his services this season, it is not the first time that Doue has been at the heart of speculation.

Newcastle were interested in him last summer as confirmed by his agent Mikael Silvestre. Speaking to The i last year, the former Premier League star said: “I know Newcastle came to watch him and were in touch with us.

“Like a lot of clubs in Europe when they scout, they come and try and speak to the entourage and get a feeling and try to understand what the situation is. It’s not necessarily about the contractual situation but also what’s going on in the life of the player as much as possible before they make a move.”

While United are linked with a swoop for Doue, they have already lost the services of one of his countrymen. Striker Anthony Martial has confirmed he will leave the club for nothing at the end of his contract.