Arsenal continue to lay an extensive foundation around midfield talent Ayyoub Bouaddi at Lille. The teenager has been touted as one of the most closely watched young players ahead of the summer transfer window.
The 18-year-old has been firmly on the Arsenal radar since before his breakthrough at senior level at Lille, but Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea are also interested. – Transfermarkt believes Bouaddi is already worth 40 million euros. With the interest that is there now, that sum will creep upwards.
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Bouaddi made headlines back in 2023 when he made his debut in the Europa Conference League just days after turning 16, becoming the youngest player ever to participate in a European club competition.
Since then, his development has accelerated. Bouaddi has already made 90 first-team appearances for Lille, underlining both his durability and importance despite his young age.
As this summer represents the first real opportunity for English clubs to bring him to the Premier League, interest is growing.
TEAMtalk reports that Arsenal scouts were on hand on Sunday to see Bouaddi in action as Lille secured an impressive 2-1 win over Olympique de Marseille.
However, the Gunners were far from alone in his assessment, as three Premier League rivals also kept a close eye on his development.
Arsenal face competition for 18-year-old midfield sensation
Sources indicate that Liverpool also had representatives present to watch Bouaddi in Lille’s victory, while people associated with City Football Group – owners of Manchester City – as well as BlueCo, Chelsea’s parent company, also followed the midfielder closely.
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Bouaddi’s situation is further complicated by his international future.
A fixture on France’s age-specific national team, the midfielder has recently indicated his intention to switch national team affiliations to Morocco, a decision that could add a new dimension to his growing profile on the global stage.
The energetic midfielder, who usually plays as an eight but has also been used as a six, has made 24 Ligue 1 appearances for Monaco this season and is a key reason why they are still fighting for Champions League qualification.
Bouaddi signed a long-term contract extension with Lille in December, but when asked about his future, he did not rule out making a move in the summer. However, the price tag will be high, as Lille’s negotiating position has been strengthened by his new deal.
“I have extended until 2029, and next year is still a long way off,” Bouaddi said late last year. “I’m focused on this season and we have things to fight for.
“As I also said to the president (Olivier Létang), at the end of the season there will be a choice to be made and anything can happen. We don’t know what will happen.”
