Watford star Abdoulaye Doucoure welcomes interest from Arsenal and Liverpool

Watford midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure insists he welcomes interest from the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool ahead of the summer transfer window.

French star Doucoure has been one of Watford’s stand-out players this season, scoring seven goals as the Hornets have climbed away from the relegation battle into 11th.

His performances at Vicarage Road have attracted the attention of a number of clubs, with Arsenal and Liverpool rumoured to be interested in securing his signature in the summer.

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Speaking to French outlet L’Equipe, Doucoure says it is a ‘pleasure’ to be linked with such clubs and admits he will ‘see what the state of play is’ at the end of the season.

‘I’m coming to an important step,’ the 25-year-old, who joined Watford from Rennes in 2016, said. ‘It’s a pleasure to see these big clubs interested in me.

‘We’ll see what the state of play is in the summer and then we can ask questions.’

Doucoure also said he is hopeful of earning a place in France’s squad for the World Cup in Russia. He is yet to be capped but may be looked at by manager Didier Deschamps.

‘Why not? If I’m playing well,’ he said. ‘Morgan Schneiderlin was playing well with Southampton and was part of the squad in 2014. I’m playing in the best league in the world.’

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Just last week, Doucoure talked up a potential move in the summer, claiming Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham are interested in striking a deal with Watford.

He told Telefoot: ‘It’s true that these clubs are interested. But I’m at Watford for the moment and I want to finish my season well.’

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