‘I played with second biggest Arsenal signing and top Tottenham target – one stands out'

Top Tottenham target Desire Doue has been tipped for stardom by one of his Rennes team-mates. Baptiste Santamaria, who also shared a dressing room with ex-Arsenal star Nicolas Pepe when he was breaking through, hailed Doue as “one of a kind” amidst growing interest from Europe’s elite clubs.

The dazzling 19-year-old, who can play both in midfield and on the wing, is high on Tottenham’s summer wish-list, but they face stiff competition from the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, PSG, and Bayern Munich for his signature. In an interview with TNT Sports earlier this year, Santamaria, 29, said Doue was destined for the top, and predicted he’d be in line for a luctrative transfer soon.

He lavished praise on the young talent, calling him “the most gifted youngster I’ve seen in my career” and predicted he’d become “unplayable” within a few years. “He’s a very talented player with a great sense of football,” said Santamaria.

“He’s a player who aspires to go to the biggest clubs. He’s one of a kind: he likes to hit the ball but he’s solid on his feet,” he added. “Desire’s technical, percussive and physical qualities are quite incredible. When he becomes more consistent, he’ll be unplayable. For his age, he’s the most gifted youngster I’ve seen in my career.”

That’s quite an assertion, especially given that Santamaria played with Pepe at Angers, shortly before his record £72million move to Arsenal in 2019. Pepe might have failed to make the grade in north London, but few would deny his potential at a young age.

According to reports, Bayern submitted a £29m bid for Doue earlier this month, but it was immediately rejected. PSG have also shown interest in the player, and have sent an informal proposal to Rennes as they prepare to make a serious push to sign him.

In terms of interest from England, Arsenal are looking to strengthen their attack and see Doue as the perfect man to challenge Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli for a starting position. Chelsea, meanwhile, are also on the hunt for a right-footed winger before the window closes, with Doue being one of several names on their list. Manchester United are also monotoring the situation.

Rennes are believed to be holding out for around £52m for Doue, but potential buyers are reportedly hesitant to exceed the £40m mark. Doue has just 63 senior appearances and seven goals to his name, but his performances last season caught the eye of scouts across the globe.

He is yet to make his international debut, although he has played for several of France’s youth teams.