Man Utd, Arsenal linked Watford star opens door to summer move

Watford midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure has admitted that he could “easily” leave Vicarage Road this season and that “playing in the Champions League is the goal”.

Doucoure has played a major role in the Hornets’ success since Nigel Pearson has taken charge, having moved into a more advanced midfield role.

The Frenchman has scored three goals and provided one assist in his last six Premier League outings, sparking speculation as to whether he will move on in the summer.

Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea have all been linked with a move for the midfielder, with Liverpool also showing interest.

And Doucoure had admitted that he is open to offers from bigger clubs, claiming his ideal move would be to a club in England.

“If a big club manages to make an interesting offer for me, of course the club will let me leave, easily,” he told Canal+ via FourFourTwo.

“A club that plays in the Champions League is the goal, but I don’t have a particular one in mind.

“We’re little by little arriving at the end of the cycle. Maybe the club [Watford] has certain expectations for me, I don’t really know them yet, but I can still progress and still do good things, so if I were to change clubs, it would be to go up a level.

“I’m happy in the Premier League. I want to stay in the Premier League, that’s my main wish. Then we’ll see what’s on offer, or not, for me this summer.”

Doucoure also has international ambitions, having represented France at under-17, under-18, under-19, under-20 and under-21 level.

And although he is uncapped on the senior stage, he still hopes to play for Les Bleus despite also being eligible for Mali.

“To play for France is still a dream, it is something that I will fight for as long as possible. I think I am of an age where I still have time. My decision is not final. “Of course I am targeting France but Mali has never approached me. We will see in the years to come.”