Arsenal have reportedly joined Leeds United in the race for Stade Rennais midfielder Djaoui Cisse and are set to bring him to the Emirates.
Cisse, who came through the ranks at Stade Rennais, is enjoying his best season yet at the Ligue 1 club. With 21 appearances across all competitions so far this season, he has earned a reputation for his physical presence, strong ball progression, and long-range shooting.
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Leeds United, who currently sit 15th in the Premier League table, have reportedly already shown interest in Cisse by reaching out to his representatives. In the latest development from Media Footthe Elland Road outfit are set to face competition, as Arsenal have now entered the race for the services of the 22-year-old.
The report adds that Gunners boss Mikel Arteta likes the midfielder and is attracted to his technical ability and playing style, which he believes would be a good fit for his team. While Cisse is yet to register a goal or assist for Stade Rennais this term, he has averaged 2.4 ball recoveries and won 2.7 duels per game in Ligue 1 this season.
Interest in Cisse is not limited to the two aforementioned Premier League clubs, as Bundesliga sides Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer Leverkusen are also reportedly keen on the midfielder and have gathered all the necessary information to make a move this summer.
Cisse’s current market value stands at €15 million according to Transfermarkt, and his current deal with Stade Rennais will run until 2030.
Gabriel Martinelli among five players that could leave Arsenal this summer – Reports
According to BBC SportGabriel Martinelli has emerged among the players Arsenal are open to selling ahead of next season as the club looks to comply with Premier League’s new squad cost ratio rules.
Arsenal are understood to be open to business this summer after splurging on new recruits last year. The north London outfit spent £250 million last summer but are planning to offload some players in the upcoming transfer window.
In addition to Martinelli, the Gunners have reportedly identified academy graduates Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri among players who could leave. The report claims the club would look to recoup a minimum combined £100 million for Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri. It is also said that because both players came through the club’s academy, their sales would be regarded as ‘pure profit’ on the balance sheet.
Lewis-Skelly is understood to be drawing interest from top half Premier League sides, while Nwaneri has interest from Borussia Dortmund. The two other players are Gabriel Jesus and Ben White.
Edited by Ezekiel Olamide
