Arsenal and Spurs set to battle in the race to sign French wonderkid – Report | OneFootball

Arsenal Tracking Djylian N’Guessan as Premier League Battle Looms

Credit to Caught Offside for breaking this developing story surrounding Saint-Étienne forward Djylian N’Guessan. At just 17 years old, the French striker is already attracting heavyweight attention across Europe, with “Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea, Brighton, Brentford, and Watford all sending scouts to track his development.” That level of competition so early in a player’s senior career tells its own story.

Standing at 1.80m, N’Guessan is described as blending “physical strength with excellent aerial ability,” while combining that presence with intelligent movement and composure inside the penalty area. His performances for France’s U20 side have added an international sheen to his rise and Saint-Étienne’s approach has been measured, allowing him to earn minutes without excessive exposure.

Photo: IMAGO

Strategic Battle for Future No 9

What makes this pursuit particularly interesting is how methodically Arsenal and Tottenham appear to be moving behind the scenes. Reports suggest both clubs have “gone as far as compiling detailed scouting dossiers on the teenager, sharing them with their technical staff.” That is not casual observation but structured recruitment groundwork.

There is an emerging shift in how Premier League clubs are targeting strikers. Rather than spending huge fees on ready-made stars, there is a growing emphasis on securing high-ceiling talent before prices spiral. N’Guessan fits that model perfectly, offering raw output with elite development potential.

Transfer Challenge Ahead

However, Saint-Étienne “are not in a rush to sell,” seeing him as “a future star.” That protective stance could force any interested side to show a clear pathway to senior football. English clubs have been called out before for hoarding youth talent without providing opportunity and there is a sense that N’Guessan’s camp will push for assurances rather than simply financial promises.

The striker’s current trajectory suggests that waiting another six to twelve months could significantly inflate his valuation. That makes this a delicate decision for all involved. Move now and secure a long-term asset, or risk missing out entirely if one Premier League rival takes bolder action.

Long-Term Investment or First-Team Fast Track?

One source close to the situation hinted that N’Guessan sees himself “ready for a structured Premier League project, not academy football.” If that reported stance is accurate, this is not a case of stockpiling but of strategic integration.

For Arsenal, the opportunity is obvious. A mobile, intelligent forward who could be moulded within a possession-based system. For Spurs, a potential long-term successor to their transitional forward line under continued rebuild.

Either way, this is not the last time Djylian N’Guessan’s name will surface in transfer columns. It might just be the first of many.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From an Arsenal perspective, this kind of recruitment rumour is exactly what fans have been crying out for. The club missed out on several high-upside forward prospects in recent years, watching other sides take gambles that paid off. If N’Guessan truly possesses the movement, finishing ability and maturity suggested, then Arsenal should not overthink this.

The concern, of course, is pathway. Supporters have seen too many young forwards signed only to be loaned repeatedly. If Arsenal genuinely believe in his ceiling, then there must be a defined integration plan. Even training stints with senior forwards or controlled cup appearances would send a clear message.

There is also the emotional pull. Arsenal fans loved watching the emergence of players like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. There is a hunger for another youthful star to buy into. N’Guessan already sounds like someone capable of capturing that imagination.

The club cannot allow Tottenham to steal in quietly. If the race is real, Arsenal must act with conviction. Better to move slightly early than be left watching another elite prospect flourish elsewhere.