Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira knows a good talent when he sees one.
The Frenchman played at the highest level for club and country for over a decade, and since retiring, he has made some good steps as a manager as well.
Vieira recently backed Arsenal to win the Premier League title because of their fantastic recruitment in the summer transfer window.
However, 12 months before that happened, they were keen to sign an fantastic player but missed out on him – Desire Doue.
Patrick Vieira raves about former Arsenal target Desire Doue
Doue made a tremendous name for himself at Rennes.
The French attacker was viewed by everyone as a huge talent and had a number of top teams interested in his services at the end of the 2023/24 season.
Arsenal were among the clubs who wanted to sign Doue, but the youngster decided to join Paris Saint-Germain instead for £42.6 million (Goal).
The 20-year-old had a phenomenal debut season in the French capital, scoring 16 goals and providing 16 assists in all competitions.
Two of those goals and an assist came in the Champions League final as PSG smashed Inter Milan 5-0.
Now, after seeing him nominated for the Golden Boy award, Patrick Vieira has branded Doue as the best player of his age on the continent.
He told Foot Mercato: “Desire Doue is the best young player in Europe. Not only did he score in the Champions League final, where he showed all his talent, but he had also progressed a lot in Rennes and continues his progress at PSG.
“He went through a difficult time, but he worked hard and never gave up. Lamine Yamal can’t be nominated this year, so I think Doue will win [the Golden Boy award].
“He is a young player with a lot of talent. A club must create a good environment to learn, make mistakes and learn from. Desire Doue is the perfect example. I think he’s the best of the best in the world.”
PSG players Desire Doue and Joao Neves celebrate in the Champions League final
Desire Doue could break two Arsenal players’ hearts
Arsenal were right to target Doue last year, and he would’ve been an outstanding signing had Mikel Arteta managed to get the deal over the line.
PSG beat a number of teams for his signature, and his output has been nothing short of incredible.
Doue is one of the favourites to win the Golden Boy award. He definitely deserves it, but two Arsenal players will be hoping that he doesn’t get it.
Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly have been nominated for the Golden Boy award as well, and it would be great to see either one of them win it.
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