Arsenal have just "entered the race" to sign 22yo French midfielder

Arsenal are likely to pursue a new midfielder when the transfer window reopens this summer.

The Gunners have largely been reliant on Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi in the heart of the midfield this term. Mikel Merino (currently injured) and Christian Norgaard have provided backup.

Norgaard has yet to start a Premier League game since his arrival last summer. Despite the fierce competition, the club are still exploring the possibility of bringing in another central midfielder.

Media Foot claim that the Gunners have ‘now entered the race’ to sign Rennes midfielder Djaoui Cisse, who has had a decent breakthrough season in the French top-flight this campaign.

Manager Mikel Arteta is a big admirer of his technical ability and playing style and believes the 22-year-old would be a good addition to the squad for the 2026/27 season and beyond.

Cisse speculation could be agent-driven

The midfielder had a decent start to the season under former manager Habib Beye. He played on the left side of a three-man midfield. Rennes lined up in a 3-5-2 formation until Beye’s sacking.

Under new head coach Franck Haise, Cisse has gone out of contention for a starting spot. The 54-year-old has reverted to a traditional 4-2-3-1 set-up, which has forced Cisse out of the line-up.

In our view, the speculation could be agent-driven, rather than Arsenal making an approach. The player’s representative could be using the Gunners as a negotiation tool to speed up exit talks.

Media Foot claim that Leeds United have made direct contact with his agent. Cisse’s representative is likely eyeing a more high-profile club to secure a larger brokerage fee on a summer transfer.

Cisse’s statistics are not overly impressive. He has a passing accuracy of 81 percent in Ligue 1, winning two duels per game. He has lost possession nine times in every 46 minutes, which is a concern.

Hence, we would be surprised if Arsenal were to make an approach for the Rennes graduate.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

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