Arsenal have opened talks with Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi’s representatives about a summer transfer, according to a report.
Gary Jacob reports for The Times that Arsenal have begun talks to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi this summer, speaking to the player’s representatives about a possible transfer.
The Gunners are reportedly yet to make a formal offer to Lille, but that’s expected to follow in due course. Mikel Arteta wants a fourth midfielder to rotate with Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, and Myles Lewis-Skelly in the team’s midfield.
Ryan Taylor reports for the Mirror that Andrea Berta actually made initial contact with Bouaddi’s camp over six months ago, adding that PSG, Liverpool, and Chelsea have also been in touch.
Meanwhile, Bouaddi himself has admitted he’s pleased to hear about the interest in him, though he’s focusing on the World Cup at the moment.
“I’m really happy to know that some clubs are interested in me,” Bouaddi told David Ornstein. “But for now I’m only focused on the World Cup and we will try to give everything to do our best.”
The 18-year-old very much caught the eye with his performance in Morocco’s opening game against Brazil, in turn sharpening the focus on the recent links between the player and Arsenal.
Sacha Tavolieri had reported for Sky Sports in Switzerland this week that Arsenal had identified Bouaddi as a summer target, and that they’d been actively pursuing the player for several months.
The Gunners have reportedly made it clear to Bouaddi and his camp that he’d be an important player in Arteta’s project from the moment he arrived, and that message seems to have resonated with the player. Before the World Cup, he’d reportedly indicated an interest in joining Arsenal.
Lille are looking for around €70m (£60.4m) for the signing, though Arsenal believe strong relationships with the French club’s hierarchy could help them in talks, particularly as they aren’t a domestic rival like PSG.
Bouaddi is already a nailed-on starter for Lille. He’s made 96 senior appearances for the club, including starting 28 of their 34 Ligue 1 fixtures in 2025/26.
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