Arsenal transfer target Ayyoub Bouaddi caught the eye for Morocco against Brazil, pulling the strings in the centre of the park for the 2022 semi-finalists
Arsenal have been courting Lille starlet Ayyoub Bouaddi since 2025 and now they might not be alone.
As one ageing midfielder, Casemiro, desperately struggled in the simmering heat at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, one teenage prospect decided to use this fiery Group C opener as a catwalk to flaunt his quality.
Bouaddi, who snubbed France pre-tournament to commit his international future to Morocco, displayed marvellous maturity, positioning and technical quality as he took the game to Brazil.
Naturally, Morocco’s attack-minded, free-flowing side was not afraid to flood men forward but there was a security in doing so as Bouaddi was capable of holding down the fort.
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
France, who are undeniably short of a top midfielder, must be wondering how the 18-year-old maestro slipped through the net given he was captaining their U21s earlier in the year.
The hype train is now in full swing but the truth is, Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has already made inroads with Bouaddi’s representatives.
These conversations did not take place this week; they are understood to have happened as early as the start of the year as the Italian chief has known for some time that Bouaddi was a world-class prodigy.
PSG are also said to be courting the ball-playing technician but given the Premier League champions are actively targeting a new midfielder that can operate as both a No.8 and No.6, don’t be surprised if they motor into pole position swiftly.
West Ham’s £80m asking price for Mateus Fernandes is deemed excessive while Newcastle would also drive a hard bargain for Sandro Tonali, another name of interest to the Gunners.
In many respects, Bouaddi, who could learn from the likes of Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi, is the kind of deal that makes perfect sense for Arsenal as they seek to build a dynasty.
Landing one of the world’s brightest young midfielders was certainly a statement and his scintillating display against Brazil was the green light they required to up the ante for his signature.
Partner in crime Neil El Aynaoui was not at his best but that didn’t matter because Bouaddi brought his A Game, marshalling Morocco through an awkward second half as the Selecao attempted to turn the screw in search of a winner.
Lille were said to want up to £60m before a ball was even kicked at the World Cup. Now they can be forgiven for charging extra cash on the back of that eye-catching display.
Much like Morgan Rogers, he is rapidly developing into a ‘must-have’ target for Arsenal.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
