Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has long been concerned about Manchester United’s interest in one of their summer goals. – But even though Manchester United have now ended their interest, there will be no reason for cheers at the Emirates.
Ayyoub Bouaddi, who has had a brilliant season for Lille in Ligue 1, is ready for something bigger, but it probably won’t be in the Premier League.
Read: Sandro Tonali on course for Tottenham signing, but will be persuaded to choose Manchester
Manchester United will reportedly not pursue a deal to sign Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi this summer, as they prefer other options. At the same time, Arsenal have been told that their dream signing will join Real Madrid.
The Red Devils and Arsenal are both looking to build on good seasons in the Premier League, with the latter crowning the season by becoming league champions. Manchester United, on the other hand, went from strength to strength in the second half of the season under Michael Carrick, who was rewarded with the position of permanent manager.
Both teams are now on the hunt for a new midfielder, and both Arsenal and United have been mentioned as potential destinations for Bouaddi.
Arsenal have been touted as the most relevant club, with the Moroccan being seen as their dream signing, and Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the Gunners are in contact over a deal.
Romano stated to Time2Play:
“PSG have had him on their list for months, but midfield is not their priority this summer.
“Arsenal and Liverpool, on the other hand, have already met with his agents several times since January.
“Expect twists and turns, because this boy is really good.
“Juventus showed interest as far back as April 2025, but the finances were not enough to make it happen.
Manchester United prefer second goal this summer
Bouaddi was brilliant as Morocco drew 1-1 with Brazil in their first World Cup match, and Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth gave an update on the 18-year-old’s future, with Manchester United choosing not to pursue a deal.
Sheth reported on Sky Sports:
“Morocco’s Ayyoub Bouaddi caused a stir at the World Cup with his outstanding performance against Brazil – but he has had many admirers in the Premier League long before this summer.
“Arsenal are among the top clubs in England who have followed the 18-year-old Lille midfielder closely.
“Central midfield is a position Arsenal want to strengthen this summer, and Bouaddi is one of several players they have been looking at.
“The teenager’s price tag will be a consideration for the Gunners, as Bouaddi signed a new contract with Lille in December. That deal binds him until the summer of 2029.
– Sky Sports News reported in January that Manchester United had Bouaddi on their list of midfield targets.
“However, they have prioritised other midfielders this summer, with a deal for Ederson from Atalanta and the pursuit of Mateus Fernandes at West Ham.
Read: Jose Mourinho asks for Bruno Fernandes!
Bouaddi ‘will play for Real Madrid next year’ – Giroud
Arsenal legend Olivier Giroud insists Bouaddi will play for Real Madrid next year, as he possesses all the qualities required to become a top player.
Giroud told BBC Sport:
“The price is now 60-70 million euros… I think it will be difficult to keep him in Lille. But he’s a complete player and very versatile, and he’s everywhere on the pitch, a bit like N’Golo Kanté.
“The only thing he has to improve, and he knows that because we’ve teased him a lot about it this year, is the finishing – to be more aggressive in front of goal. But if he gets it right, he will play for Real Madrid next year.
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