29 Jun 2026 08:36 BST |
4 min read
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Arsenal have been told that Ayyoub Bouaddi is already worth €100 million as they eye a possible summer deal for the Lille midfielder.
The 18-year-old has been on Arsenal’s radar for several months, but his reputation has skyrocketed following an eye-catching World Cup group stage with Morocco.
Bouaddi starred during a 1-1 draw versus Brazil in Morocco’s opening game and his form at the tournament has led to increased transfer speculation, with Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Manchester United all interested in signing him this summer, as per RMC Sport.
It’s reported that Lille want Bouaddi to return to the club on loan for the 2026-27 season if they agree to sell him this summer, although it remains to be seen if any interested party is willing to accommodate this wish given the outlay it will cost to secure his signature.
Bouaddi made 42 appearances across all competitions for Lille last season, and despite the fact he is still only 18 years old, former Morocco international Medhi Benatia believes the teenager will command a huge transfer fee this summer.
The ex-Bayern defender, who left his role as Marseille sporting director at the end of last season, told Gazzetta dello Sport: “Bouaddi has something extra: he’s a star, one of those players who only come along occasionally.
“He has incredible maturity, tactical intelligence, and personality. He looks like he’s played 300 matches, but he’s only a 2007-born player. He’s already worth €100m; he won’t come to Italy because he’s too expensive.”
Will Arsenal sign Ayyoub Bouaddi?
Despite signing Martin Zubimendi last summer and converting Myles Lewis-Skelly into a midfielder at the end of last season, it’s understood that Mikel Arteta is still keen to bolster his options in the middle of the park before the start of the 2026-27 campaign.
Bouaddi has been earmarked as one of Arsenal’s top targets for the role, although it appears as though they are currently focusing their attention on a move for Brazil superstar Bruno Guimaraes.
However, Newcastle United have rebuffed their first approach and they reportedly have no intention of selling their club captain amid reports that fellow midfielder Sandro Tonali could be on his way to Tottenham Hotspur.
As a result, Arsenal could be forced to pursue an alternative option and a deal for Bouaddi could therefore accelerate after the World Cup.
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