Credit: Imago

Aheed Abrar

Fri 10 April 2026 12:40, UK

Leeds United will be joined by Arsenal in the race to sign Stade Rennais midfielder Djaoui Cisse in the upcoming transfer window.

According to Media Foot on 10 April, the Whites have already held discussions with the representatives of the France Under-21 international to express their interest.

The news outlet reports that the 22-year-old is attracting interest from around Europe after a stellar season in Ligue 1, with the Gunners also keeping an eye on him.

It has been claimed that Mikel Arteta admires Cisse’s technical ability and playing style, which he feels would be a good fit for the North London outfit.

Daniel Farke and 49ers Enterprises will surely only sit down to talk about potential summer targets once the West Yorkshire outfit secure Premier League survival and the Rennes midfielder should be on top of their wishlist.

Mikel Arteta gives Leeds United another reason to push for Djaoui Cisse deal

Arteta clearly seems to be a big fan of Cisse and the Arsenal manager’s interest in him should be a seal of approval for Leeds.

The Whites fans will wonder whether the French youngster can have an impact at Elland Road, but if the Gunners have belief in his talent, then there’s no reason for supporters in LS11 to doubt it.

Last summer, the West Yorkshire outfit reinforced their midfield with Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff, but there could potentially be exits at the end of the season that may require more replacements in the engine room.

Rennes haven’t ruled out selling Cisse, and with the Peacocks already making their move, they will be confident about beating competition for him.

Daniel Farke in line for midfield overhaul at Elland Road

If Leeds avoid relegation and Farke remains in the dugout, the German manager may have to make a few tweaks to his midfield for the 2026-27 campaign.

Ao Tanaka has struggled for game time this season and could potentially be on his way out at the end of the season, with Longstaff also possibly in the same boat.

Ethan Ampadu will surely attract interest from top teams in the coming months after an impressive Premier League campaign and the Whites may look to cash in on him.

Cisse could possibly be the solution to some of the problems the West Yorkshire outfit may face with their engine room, but only time will tell what the future holds for him.