Arsenal target Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi amid competition

Arsenal have opened talks with the representatives of Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. The club view the 18‑year‑old as a key summer target as Mikel Arteta reshapes his midfield options. Arteta plans a four‑man midfield rotation built around Declan Rice, Martín Zubimendi and Myles Lewis Skelly. Bouaddi would provide the fourth option capable of competing at the highest level. Lille have set a valuation of around £60 million for Bouaddi and are under no immediate pressure to sell. Real Madrid, Paris Saint Germain and Chelsea are also monitoring the midfielder’s situation.

Liverpool eye Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi

Bouaddi helped Lille finish third in Ligue 1 and secure Champions League qualification. He made his Champions League debut in a 1‑0 win over Real Madrid on his 17th birthday in October 2024. A month later he was named man of the match against Juventus. Internationally, Bouaddi featured for Morocco in a 1‑1 World Cup draw with Brazil. He said he is happy clubs are interested but will focus on the World Cup.

Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea chase Bouaddi after Morocco display

Arsenal previously evaluated West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes but rejected the reported £80 million price. Fernandes recorded five goals and five assists in 40 appearances last season. Bournemouth’s Alex Scott also remains on Arsenal’s radar as the club pursues youthful, versatile talent.