Who is Lesley Ugochukwu? The Rennes midfielder Arsenal and Spurs are chasing

Cameron Smith

Updated: 27 Mar 2022 06:01 CDT
4 min read

Lesley Ugochukwu, Rennes, 2021/22 — © ProShots

Stade Rennais have a habit of producing young, French central midfielders and they've done it again.

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Eduardo Camavinga was the shining light of their academy and joined Real Madrid following a few breakout years at Rennes, and the club seem to have done it once more.

This time the player's name is Lesley Ugochukwu, but who is he?

What position does Lesley Ugochukwu play?

Ugochukwu plays as a central midfielder, but can also operate at centre-back.

How good is Lesley Ugochukwu?

Ugochukwu is the next big thing to come from Rennes' academy which is a huge accomplishment given the talent they produce.

Despite only just turning 18, he has already played 20 times for Rennes' first-team, and is becoming a regular in the squad. He scored his first goal for the club in the 5-0 win over St Etienne in December, and already looks like an immense talent.

He made his senior debut just one month after turning 17, which shows the belief Rennes have in his ability. Ugochukwu is a French U18 international, and provided an assist in their recent game against Germany's U18s.

Rennes' Lesley Ugochukwu made his first Ligue 1 start vs #PSG on Sunday.

He's 17 and of Nigerian-French descent.

Gave an accomplished display, including this bodying of Neymar. pic.twitter.com/sLSmxodV20
— Robin Bairner (@RBairner) May 10, 2021

Last season, he made his first Ligue 1 start against PSG, due to Camavinga and Steven Nzonzi being unavailable, and he more than held his own.

Former Rennes director Landry Chauvin previously compared Ugochukwu to French legend Marcel Desailly, with his belief than his career would be as either a centre-back or a defensive midfielder. However, his attacking endeavour has impressed since stepping up to senior football, so midfield looks like his permanent home.

What clubs are interested in Lesley Ugochukwu?

L'Equipe have reported that both Arsenal and Tottenham are huge admirers of the player. The North London sides are said to have been following him for a number of weeks, with a view to making an offer this summer.

Arsenal reportedly see Ugochukwu as a Patrick Vieira-type figure, but Tottenham also see a great future ahead for him.

Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund are also interested and could provide competition for his signature.