Quantcast
Home   >   Transfer News   >   Arsenal have held talks to sign Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi

Arsenal have held talks to sign Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi

By on July 22, 2026

Ayyoub Bouaddi

Arsenal have reportedly held talks to sign LOSC Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, as per TEAMtalk.

The 18-year-old started his youth career at AFC Creil before joining Les Dogues’ youth system back in 2021. He made his first team debut a couple of years later before establishing himself as a regular starter last campaign.

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

After showing glimpses of his qualities in club football, Bouaddi has secured his place in Morocco’s national team’s starting line-up, helping his country reach the World Cup quarter-final before losing to France.

Now, TEAMtalk claim that Arsenal are interested in Bouaddi and have held talks over this deal this summer. They have gathered information about the details of finalising the operation.

The youngster’s recent eye-catching performances haven’t just attracted Arsenal’s attention, as Liverpool, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have also enquired over this deal.

However, Manchester City believe they have won the race to sign Bouaddi. Having recently tied the midfielder down to a fresh term until 2029, Les Dogues are in a strong position to demand a big fee to sell him and want around £85m.

The Citizens are close to meeting the French club’s demands, with minor details left to resolve before the move is agreed.

Bouaddi to Arsenal

The report state that if Man City eventually purchase the African by matching Lille’s asking price, then he would become the most expensive teenage midfielder in football history.

Romeo Lavia currently holds this record as Chelsea signed him from Southampton for around £53m in 2023.

Bouaddi is a 6ft 1in tall right-footed defensive midfielder but is also efficient in the box-to-box role. He is quick, strong, technically sound, tidy in possession, and is efficient in defensive contributions.

Bouaddi is a top-class player and possesses the necessary attributes to flourish at the highest level. Therefore, he would be a shrewd acquisition for Arsenal should they purchase him.

Following Christian Norgaard’s struggles to find regular game time last term, Arsenal are keen on signing a new midfielder, and alongside Bouaddi, they are also interested in Bruno Guimaraes.