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Arsenal are reportedly in talks to sign 18-year-old French midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, with sporting director Andrea Berta already speaking with the player’s representatives as the Gunners look to outmanoeuvre Chelsea and PSG in the race for his signature.
Arsenal Make Strong Push for Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi Amid £52 Million Valuation
According to RMC Sport, Arsenal are making a strong push to recruit the teenager, with the North London club claimed to be in the strongest position despite interest from Chelsea and PSG. Bouaddi has emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting midfield prospects and agreed a new contract with Lille on Saturday to extend his stay at the French club.
Lille are reportedly willing to accept a bid of roughly £52 million for the France U21 international, though the Ligue 1 outfit would prefer any deal be completed next summer rather than during the January transfer window. The midfielder is described as a polished yet combative player, often likened to Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo and Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga.
Arsenal’s rising interest in Bouaddi could spark a bidding war across Europe, with Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City also admirers of the 18-year-old. The Gunners’ assertive stance may prompt rivals to accelerate their own moves for a player coveted across the continent due to his high-upside profile.
If Arsenal choose to seriously challenge Lille’s stance on the transfer timing, they may soon face heavy competition from numerous top-tier clubs monitoring developments closely. The pursuit comes as Arsenal look to strengthen their squad following a 2-1 loss to Aston Villa that narrowed the gap between the two sides to three points.
