Arsenal will reportedly look to beat Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United to the signature of 18-year-old LOSC Lille prodigy Ayyoub Bouaddi.
According to a report by Daily Mirror, Ayyoub Bouaddi is the subject of interest from Arsenal. The Gunners have contacted the LOSC Lille prodigy’s entourage, and they are ready to submit a bid worth €45 million to sign him. Meanwhile, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United are also keen on signing the French midfield sensation, with the Ligue 1 outfit demanding €50 million to part ways with him.
Who is Ayyoub Bouaddi?
Ayyoub Bouaddi is the latest wonderkid to rise in prominence in his homeland. The Senlis native has spent his formative years thus far in France while already breaking into the first-team squad at LOSC Lille. The 18-year-old has taken no time to become a regular for Les Dogues, with his exploits making him one of the best young prospects in Ligue 1.
The French midfield sensation has made over 50 appearances thus far for Lille, chipping in with four assists. Meanwhile, Bouaddi’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several European bigwigs. Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United are among the prospective suitors vying for the French midfield prodigy’s signature.
Premier League move on the horizon?
Arsenal will likely pursue a midfield reinforcement next year despite signing multiple midfielders in the summer transfer window. Christian Norgaard will only be a short-term solution due to his advancing age, while Mikel Merino will turn 30 next year. So, Bouaddi is a viable target for Arsenal.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s interest in Ayyoub Bouaddi is understandable. While Enzo Maresca has a stacked midfield unit, Moises Caicedo’s recent red card exposed how the West London outfit can struggle in his absence. Bouaddi is thus an option worth considering for Chelsea, as he can be a long-term solution in the middle of the park.
As for Liverpool, they may dip into the market for a young and versatile midfielder next year. While Arne Slot has several options in his squad’s midfield unit, Wataru Endo is on the wrong side of 30 and faces an uncertain future at Anfield. Bouaddi has thus emerged as a viable target for Liverpool.
Meanwhile, Manchester United’s interest in Ayyoub Bouaddi makes sense. The Red Devils are combing the market for a versatile midfielder, as the lack of quality in the middle of the park has held them back for a decade. Additionally, Kobbie Mainoo’s long-term future at Manchester United is uncertain. So, the LOSC Lille wonderkid is an option worth considering. However, they may have fallen behind in the battle for the Frenchman’s signature.
The Gunners have contacted Bouaddi’s entourage while preparing a bid worth €45 million to land the LOSC Lille prospect. Meanwhile, the Ligue 1 outfit will demand over €50 million to part ways with Bouaddi, and it will be interesting to see what the future holds for the French midfield sensation.
