Arsenal are reportedly pushing to bring Ayyoub Bouaddi to north London as early as January, with the club already taking formal steps in a pursuit that is accelerating faster than Lille had anticipated.
According to Fabrice Hawkins of RMC Sport, contact has already been made at senior level as the club moves to get ahead of what is expected to become one of the most competitive midfield races in Europe next summer.
Bouaddi, 18, is regarded inside recruitment circles as one of the most advanced teenage midfielders in Europe. A French Moroccan who joined Lille’s academy from AFC Creil in 2021, he signed his first professional contract in August 2023 and has progressed at exceptional speed.
Only weeks later he became the youngest player in the club’s history to appear in European competition, making his debut in the Europa Conference League at 16 years and three days, before becoming the youngest Ligue 1 player since 1981 later that same month.
His reputation rose sharply again in October 2024 when, on his 17th birthday, he started a Champions League match against Real Madrid and delivered a commanding performance in a 1-0 win. By the end of November 2025 he had already passed 50 senior appearances across domestic and European competition.
Lille are acutely aware of the scale of interest. Bouaddi first extended his contract to 2027 in 2024 and has since agreed a further deal running until June 2029, strengthening the club’s position in negotiations. That has not stopped elite clubs from circling. PSG, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Arsenal have all tracked him closely, with valuations now coming in above the €50m mark.
Primarily a central or defensive midfielder, Bouaddi has been praised for his press resistance, ability to receive the ball under pressure, his range of passing and willingness to carry the ball through midfield despite his relative inexperience.
He represents France across multiple youth levels and is reported to be studying mathematics at university alongside his professional career.
Whether Lille will entertain a January exit remains the central question, but with discussions now under way, the groundwork for one of the most sought after midfield moves in Europe has already been laid.