Report: Arsenal and Leicester want Ismael Doukoure

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Arsenal and Leicester City are both interested in Valenciennes teenager Ismael Doukoure, but it appears that they may have to play catch up in the race judging by a report from Foot Mercato.

The 17-year-old made his Ligue 2 debut earlier this season. And he went into the international break having enjoyed a prolonged run in the side.

The centre-back has started Valenciennes’s last six league games. It now appears that he is attracting a lot of attention at home and abroad.

According to Foot Mercato, Strasbourg have made an approach for Doukoure, who has been compared to Dayot Upamecano already.

But the report adds that both Leicester and Arsenal are monitoring Doukoure.

Of course, both clubs have experience signing young defenders from France in recent times.

Arsenal landed William Saliba in 2019, while former Saint-Etienne teammate Wesley Fofana headed to the King Power Stadium last October.

The pair would probably have different views on their moves so far. Fofana has been a revelation for the Foxes.

Meanwhile, Saliba is still awaiting the chance to make his debut for Arsenal. He is currently back in France on loan with Nice.

So it would be interesting to see whether their respective fortunes have any bearing on Doukoure’s future should both clubs make a move.