Arsenal have emerged as serious contenders to land Lille’s highly-rated midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi this summer, setting up a potential transfer battle with Paris Saint-Germain.
The Transfer Saga Unfolds
Despite penning a new long-term contract with Lille until June 2029 just last month, the 18-year-old French midfielder is widely expected to depart the Ligue 1 club ahead of next season. According to Foot Mercato, PSG are pushing aggressively for his signature, but the Gunners have positioned themselves as one of the most serious competitors in the race.
Sources close to Bouaddi suggest the teenager himself believes a summer exit is inevitable, though Lille will demand a premium price for their prized asset. Initial reports indicated Arsenal were prepared to offer £39 million before his contract renewal, but RMC Sport now suggests that fee could rise to £43 million.
What Makes Bouaddi Special?
The France Under-21 international enjoyed a breakout campaign last season and has continued his impressive development this term. His statistics speak volumes: winning four duels and making five recoveries per league appearance, alongside nearly two tackles per game.
Beyond the numbers, Bouaddi’s exceptional ball control and ability to deliver incisive forward passes have caught the attention of Europe’s elite clubs. His composure and technical ability belie his tender age.
Arsenal’s Midfield Dilemma
However, any move for Bouaddi presents a significant puzzle for manager Mikel Arteta. The Gunners boast considerable depth in central midfield, with Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, and Mikel Merino already competing for places.
Arteta recently admitted the challenge of managing his current squad size, acknowledging difficult decisions when everyone is fit. This suggests Arsenal would likely need to offload a midfielder before sanctioning such a substantial investment in Bouaddi—potentially handing PSG the advantage in this high-stakes transfer race.