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Arsenal submit formal proposal to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi

By on June 3, 2026

Ayyoub Bouaddi

Arsenal have reportedly launched a formal proposal to sign LOSC Lille star Ayyoub Bouaddi, as per Africafoot.

The 18-year-old started his youth career at AFC Creil before joining Les Dogues’s academy back in 2021. He made his first team debut for the Ligue 1 side a couple of years later before establishing himself as a key starter this campaign.

In 42 appearances across all competitions, the midfielder registered a solitary assist. Moreover, he helped his side qualify for next season’s Champions League by finishing third in Ligue 1.

Bouaddi represented France during the youth level but has decided to play for Morocco at the senior level. He has even been included in the Atlas Lions squad for this summer’s World Cup.

Now, Africafoot state that after monitoring the youngster’s development closely this season, Arsenal have identified Bouaddi as a top target to reinforce the midfield department.

Apart from the Gunners, Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain have also expressed their interest in signing him after being impressed by his recent eye-catching performances.

Arsenal tried to beat their rivals in this race by launching a formal £52m proposal. However, Lille have rejected the offer as they have no intention of letting him leave for anything less than £60m, having recently tied him down to a fresh term until 2029.

Bouaddi to Arsenal

Bouaddi is comfortable playing in the defensive midfield and box-to-box roles. He is dynamic, has an eye for long-range passing, and is also efficient in defensive contributions.

Arsenal currently have Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi, and Christian Norgaard as options to deploy in the deeper midfield positions. Moreover, Myles Lewis-Skelly can provide cover in this position if needed.

However, the Dane struggled to break into Mikel Arteta’s starting line-up this campaign, while Merino has had fitness problems this year. Zubimendi started the season promisingly after joining from Real Sociedad, but faded away during the business end.

So, it appears Arsenal are considering signing a new midfielder this summer. Bouaddi is a highly talented player and could be a shrewd acquisition for Arsenal with a view to the long-term future should they eventually manage to secure his service.