Arsenal and Spurs both in for St Etienne youngster | OneFootball

Arsenal and Tottenham monitoring French wonderkid in transfer battle

Rising French star attracting Premier League attention

Arsenal and Tottenham have joined several top clubs in monitoring Saint-Étienne’s teenage striker Djylian N’Guessan, according to Caught Offside. The 17-year-old forward has made waves in France’s U20 setup and Ligue 2, drawing widespread admiration for his maturity, composure, and physical presence despite his youth.

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Standing at 1.80m, N’Guessan’s combination of strength, technique, and aerial ability has made him a constant threat in the penalty area. Scouts from Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea, Brighton, Brentford, and Watford have all been present to track his development, with detailed reports already circulating within recruitment departments in North London.

“Premier League sides are leading the chase,” Caught Offside reported, suggesting that both Arsenal and Spurs have compiled comprehensive scouting dossiers ahead of potential summer discussions.

Talent management at Saint-Étienne

Saint-Étienne have handled N’Guessan’s development with a calculated patience. Rather than fast-tracking him, the French club have opted for gradual exposure to senior football, allowing him to build confidence and adapt to the physical demands of the professional game.

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Their strategy appears to be working. The teenager’s intelligent movement and cool finishing have marked him as one of Ligue 2’s most exciting young players. Club sources in France have described him as “a player with the mentality of someone five years older,” reflecting his maturity on and off the ball.

Arsenal and Spurs face transfer challenge

While Arsenal and Tottenham are both keen, Saint-Étienne’s position could make negotiations complicated. The French side view N’Guessan as a cornerstone for their future and are reportedly unwilling to sell unless an exceptional offer arrives.

Both English clubs may also have to convince the player’s camp that regular playing time awaits him in the Premier League. With young strikers often caught between first-team ambition and development needs, N’Guessan’s next move will depend as much on opportunity as on financial appeal.

For now, he remains one of Europe’s most closely watched prospects, with his performances in France continuing to build momentum towards what could be a major transfer story in 2025.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Arsenal’s recruitment strategy under Mikel Arteta and Berta has prioritised young, technically gifted players with long-term potential. N’Guessan fits that model perfectly, athletic, intelligent, and grounded. However, some fans may question whether the club really needs another developmental project up front when proven senior options remain limited. The idea of investing in another teenager will appeal to the scouts, but supporters will want to see an immediate solution for the attacking line.

For Spurs fans, the tone is slightly different. Under Thomas Frank, Tottenham have shown a willingness to bet on youth and emerging talent, particularly in attack. N’Guessan’s movement and physical profile would suit Frank’s fast, fluid system, but much depends on whether the club can offer a clear pathway to senior football. Tottenham’s history of integrating young forwards could give them a slight advantage in convincing the player.

Ultimately, both fanbases may see this as a glimpse of the future, a contest for one of Europe’s brightest young strikers. But for either side, the move only makes sense if it leads to first-team progression, not another name added to a long list of promising players who never truly break through.