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Arsenal hold talks to sign Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi

By on July 16, 2026

Ayyoub Bouaddi

Arsenal have reportedly made contact to sign LOSC Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, as per The Athletic.

Despite winning the Premier League title last term, the Gunners are considering refreshing the squad this summer to maintain their level next campaign.

It has been widely suggested that Mikel Arteta is keen on upgrading the left flank, having allowed Leandro Trossard to join Turkish giants Besiktas.

Moreover, Arsenal are said to be keen on purchasing a new midfielder following Christian Norgaard’s difficulties in breaking into Arteta’s starting line-up last term.

Newcastle United star Bruno Guimarães has been mentioned as their primary target. However, The Athletic report that Arsenal are also interested in Bouaddi and have been holding talks with the player’s representatives over the last 12 months.

Apart from the Emirates club, Manchester United and Manchester City are also in this race, and they have been talking with the player’s camp as well.

Although Bouaddi’s existing deal is set to run until 2029, Lille are prepared to cash-in on him this summer for the right price. However, if they demand around £85m, Arsenal might opt not to make a move for him.

The report state that there are clubs open to finalising a deal for Bouaddi this summer and allowing him to stay at Stade Pierre Mauroy to continue his development. But it is unclear whether Arsenal are one of them.

Bouaddi to Arsenal

But Manchester City want to sign him and integrate him immediately, as they want a new midfielder despite already purchasing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.

Bouaddi is a defensive midfielder by trait but is also efficient in the box-to-box role. He is quick, strong despite still being just a teenager, tidy in possession, and efficient in defensive contributions.

The 18-year-old displayed promising performances last term and has been attracting a lot of attention, having displayed impressive performances in the World Cup for Morocco.

The youngster is a highly talented player and possesses the necessary physical attributes to flourish in the Premier League. So, he would be a great coup for the North London club should they eventually manage to secure his services in this transfer window.