How Arsenal can use Watford clash to scout two potential transfer targets for next summer

There’s no doubt about it, when Arsenal travel to Vicarage Road this weekend their primary task will be to bring home three points.

But that’s not to say that they can’t make the most of their assignment.

Watford are a tricky side who have shown in glimpses over the past two or three years that they have the credentials to be a top-half Premier League team.

That of course, suggests they have some players of notable quality and there are two that Arsenal scouts should be taking a closer look at.

Abdoulaye Doucoure

The Hornets are lucky to have kept hold of Abdoulaye Doucoure who has previously stated that his dream is to play Champions League football.

Technically neat and with the physical presence of a bulldozer, the Frenchman is the kind of powerhouse that the Gunners have been missing in their midfield since the days of Patrick Vieira.

While he has a way to go yet, Doucoure has already shown during his three seasons with Watford that he is more than accomplished on English shores.

Tie that in with added quality around him and he could become a real player. Everton also failed with two bids this summer, so there are more than one club keen on his services.

Ismaila Sarr

Elsewhere, Ismaila Sarr has had to be patient since arriving for a club-record £30million fee from Stade Rennes.

The star was an unused substitute in the 1-1 draw with Newcastle last time out before the international break.

He was on target though on his full debut in the 3-0 Carabao Cup win over Coventry City.

Arsenal are a team that know Sarr all too well and he is a player they have sent scouts to watch in Ligue 1 before he completed the switch to Hertfordshire.

Not only that, but the jet-heeled Senegalese international netted against the Gunners in the Europa League Round of 16 first leg in which the French side won 3-1.

His trickery and Olympic sprinter-esque speed is a nightmare for full-backs as Nacho Monreal found out at Roazhon Park in March.

If Quique Sanchez Flores is bold enough to hand Sarr a start, he has a good chance to announce his arrival in the Premier League.