PSG in Advanced Talks to Extend Doué as Arsenal Face Anfield Test
Arsenal's transfer hopes fade as PSG moves to extend Desire Doue, while the Gunners face an Anfield test after a Cup exit.
Arsenal are facing a difficult week on and off the pitch, with transfer hopes fading and a painful Cup exit still stinging. According to the Daily Mirror [1], the Premier League champions are reeling from a shock Carabao Cup elimination at the hands of League Two side Fleetwood Town. The Gunners were poor against struggling opposition, needing a Viktor Gyokeres equalizer before losing on penalties, and are now dealing with the fallout from teenager Max Dowman’s red card.
Amidst this turmoil, a major transfer target has slipped away. ESPN reported [2] that Arsenal, along with Chelsea, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich, had been monitoring Paris Saint-Germain winger Désiré Doué. However, the Daily Mirror [1] noted that these clubs' hopes have effectively ended as PSG and the 21-year-old French international are in advanced discussions over a contract extension. Doué, who joined from Rennes in 2024, has flourished under Luis Enrique and was told he was not looking to leave Paris earlier this year.
The Mirror [1] highlighted that Arsenal had assessed Doué as a potential attacking reinforcement, but his commitment to PSG leaves the Gunners needing other options. This comes as former Premier League striker Emile Heskey offered a blunt assessment of new signing Viktor Gyokeres. As reported by the Daily Mirror, Heskey stated that Gyokeres has failed to impose himself and is now second choice to Kai Havertz. The Swede, signed for £64m, has scored only one goal in 11 games, often coming off the bench.
Heskey argued that Gyokeres is an "old-school" center-forward who struggles to hold up play, a style that is less effective in the modern Premier League. Despite the struggles, Heskey advised Arteta not to sell him, noting the need for backup players. The Daily Mirror [1] confirmed that Arsenal will look to put these issues behind them as they prepare for a challenging away trip to Anfield against Liverpool, having matched Manchester City's points total last weekend.
Sources
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