Tottenham target Desire Doue has what it takes to become a phenomenon, at least according to one of his Rennes team-mates.
Baptiste Santamaria, who played with Arsenal record signing Nicolas Pepe, labelled the 19-year-old as "one of a kind" amid surging interest from several of Europe's top clubs. Doue has been making waves for the best part of a year, having blossomed into one of French football's most exciting prospects.
The silky trickster, who can play both in midfield and on the wing, is high on Spurs' wish-list, but Ange Postecoglou's side will have to outbid the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, PSG and Bayern Munich to nab him.
Speaking to TNT Sports back in April, Santamaria, 29, tipped Doue to reach for the stars and land a big-money move in the near future. He also branded him "the most gifted youngster I've seen in my career" and said he'll become "unplayable" in a few years.
"He's a very talented player with a great sense of football," the midfielder said. "He's a player who aspires to go to the biggest clubs. He's one of a kind: he likes to hit the ball but he's solid on his feet. Desire's technical, percussive and physical qualities are quite incredible. When he becomes more consistent, he'll be unplayable. For his age, he's the most gifted youngster I've seen in my career."
That's quite a statement considering Santamaria shared a dressing room with a young Pepe while at Angers, shortly before the Ivorian sealed a record £72million move to Arsenal. Ultimately, Pepe failed to show his true ability at the Emirates Stadium, and left after three disappointing seasons, but few could deny the bags of potential he once had.
According to reports, Bayern submitted a £29m bid for Doue earlier this month, which was rejected. PSG have also sent an informal proposal to Rennes, and plan to make a big push for the youngster in the coming days.
Elsewhere, Arsenal are keen to bulk out their attack, with Doue seen as the ideal candidate to push both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli for a starting spot. Chelsea, meanwhile, are looking to sign a right-footed winger before the window shuts, with Doue one of a several names on their shortlist.
It's understood Rennes are holding out for around £52m, though prospective buyers are reportedly reluctant to go above the £40m mark. Doue has just 63 senior appearances under his belt, as well as seven goals. He's yet to make his international debut, but has featured for several of France's youth sides.