Arsenal is reportedly monitoring Stade Rennais midfielder Djaoui Cissé

When the summer transfer window reopens, Arsenal is probably going to look for a new midfield player. Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi have been the Gunners’ main midfield dependents this season. Christian Norgaard and Mikel Merino, who is presently injured, have served as backups.

Since arriving last summer, Norgaard has not yet started a Premier League match. The team is still considering adding another centre midfielder despite the intense competition. The Gunners have “now entered the race” to acquire Rennes midfielder Djaoui Cisse, who has had a respectable debut season in the French top division this season, according to Media Foot.

His technical skill and style of play are highly appreciated by manager Mikel Arteta, who thinks the 22-year-old would be a valuable addition to the team for the 2026–2027 campaign and beyond. Under previous boss Habib Beye, the midfield player enjoyed a respectable start to the campaign. He was a member of the left side of a three-man midfield. Rennes formed a 3-5-2 lineup until Beye was sacked.

Arsenal have entered the race to sign 22yo French midfielder

Cissé’s development at Rennes has been consistent, and his growing participation in first-team play indicates that he will probably receive more attention soon. His growing notoriety has also been influenced by his performances at the young international level.

Arsenal has now joined Leeds United in keeping an eye on the midfield player’s circumstances, according to Mediafoot. According to reports, Leeds has been interested in Cissé for a long time and has been thinking about making a deal before the summer transfer window.

Leeds United is reportedly preparing for a potential summer strategy, albeit their circumstances may get more problematic based on their league standing. Their prospects of acquiring the player may be diminished if they were demoted from the Premier League, especially in light of Arsenal’s level of interest.

Although it’s still unknown how serious or advanced their interest is at this point, Arsenal’s presence adds more competitors to the contest. Before reaching a firm decision on a possible transfer, the Gunners are anticipated to keep scouting the player.