Unai Emery has been told to sign Abdoulaye Doucoure
"He's massively important to the team currently. He's the real engine and driving force in that midfield," Smith told Love Sport Radio.
"He'll be a huge loss if he does leave and ultimately he probably will do.
"When you're talking about clubs the size of PSG, Champions League football and titles, for any player that's going to be attractive.
"When you're talking £50m for a player, for a club like Watford that's enormous.
Abdoulaye Doucoure has impressed at Watford (Image: GETTY)
"I think if that is the kind of interest, it will only be a matter of time.
"I've seen him play a number of times and he's an exciting talent who can score goals as well.
"He's a [Patrick] Vieira-esque midfielder who gets up and down and gets in both boxes.
"He's quite physical and he's good on the ball as well so I'm not surprised by the interest.
"It's going to be tough for Watford to keep hold of him and hopefully they'll keep hold of him in January before seeing where things take him in the summer."
Arsenal hero Paul Merson has urged Unai Emery to make a move for Doucoure as the Spaniard looks to bolster his ranks.
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