Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi has been linked with a move to both Arsenal and Liverpool this summer
Moroccan midfield sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi has admitted he’s “really happy” to see his name linked with moves to major clubs this summer, though he’s made it clear his attention remains firmly on the World Cup with his country before any decisions about his future are made.
The 18-year-old has attracted significant interest from several sides, with Arsenal amongst the latest to express their admiration for Bouaddi following his meteoric rise on the international stage.
Premier League rivals Liverpool are also thought to be monitoring the situation closely, as clubs scramble to secure one of football’s most exciting emerging talents ahead of the summer window.
Fans of both clubs will have been captivated by the teenager’s display in his World Cup debut, where he orchestrated proceedings for Morocco in their Group C opener against Brazil.
Despite an array of established stars on show, from Vinicius Jr and Raphinha to Achraf Hakimi and Ismael Saibari, it was Bouaddi’s youthful brilliance that shone brightest, eclipsing the household names around him.
Predictably, this has sent speculation swirling, with Arsenal reportedly keen to bring the Lille prodigy to the Emirates when the transfer window opens.
While a move could materialise, patience may be required to finalise any agreement, as Bouaddi stressed his priorities lie with the tournament at hand.
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
Speaking to The Athletic following his showing against Brazil, he said: “For the moment, I am only focused on the World Cup and I cannot answer to this right now.
“Of course, I’m really happy to know that some clubs are interested in me. But, for now, I’m only focused on the World Cup with Morocco and we will try to give everything to do our best.”
While Bouaddi’s transfer prospects remain uncertain, there were encouraging indicators suggesting he possesses the maturity required for a Premier League switch, despite his young age.
A report in The Times recently claimed that Arsenal have already opened talks to try and sign Bouaddi from Lille this summer.
There have been suggestions that the Ligue 1 outfit would value Bouaddi at around £60million this summer, but are not looking to part ways with the teenager at the moment.
Arsenal have already been linked with a host of potential new signings this summer, with Bouaddi joining the likes of Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa) and Eli Junior Kroupi (Bournemouth) as players of interest.
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.
