Leeds United and West Ham United are reportedly keen on signing 22-year-old French midfielder Djaoui Cisse from Stade Rennais in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Africa Foot, Leeds United and West Ham United are interested in Djaoui Cisse. The two relegation-battling Premier League clubs are preparing offers to sign the Stade Rennais midfielder ahead of the 2026/27 season. However, they will face stiff competition from Arsenal for the 22-year-old midfield prospect’s signature.
Djaoui Cisse and his rapid rise
Djaoui Cisse is the latest promising midfielder to rise in prominence in his homeland. Several French prospects have become household names in the past decade, with the country having a carousel of talent. The Frenchman spent his formative years in France, passing through the academies at US Grigny and CS Brétigny Football before graduating from the youth division at Stade Rennais.
The 22-year-old midfield prospect has made nearly 50 appearances for Stade Rennais thus far while chipping in with one goal. Meanwhile, Cisse’s progress has stimulated the interest of several well-known clubs. An adventure in the Premier League may be on the cards for the French midfielder, with Arsenal, Leeds United, and West Ham United among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.
Premier League move on the horizon?
West Ham United will dip into the market for a midfielder in the upcoming transfer window. While Mateus Fernandes has been exceptional this season, he is a target for almost every high-profile Premier League club. Additionally, Tomas Soucek is on the wrong side of 30 and approaching the final phase of his career. So, Cisse is an option worth considering for West Ham.
Meanwhile, Leeds United’s interest in Djaoui Cisse makes sense. While the West Yorkshire outfit signed several midfielders last year, Ao Tanaka’s long-term future is uncertain amid rumours that he wants to depart from Elland Road this summer. So, Leeds United must dip into the market for a midfielder, with Cisse emerging as a viable target.
As for Arsenal, the Gunners have a stacked midfield unit. However, Christian Norgaard is on the wrong side of 30, while Mikel Merino is recovering from a long-term foot injury. Additionally, Martin Odegaard has struggled with fitness issues this season. So, it behoves Arsenal to sign a midfielder this summer.
However, the Premier League clubs are behind Bayer Leverkusen in the battle for the 22-year-old French midfielder’s signature, as the Bundesliga giants are in pole position to secure his services. So, while Leeds United and West Ham are “preparing offers” to land the young Frenchman from Stade Rennais, they must ramp up their efforts to win the race to sign him from the Ligue 1 club.