Arsenal are eager to land the signature of Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi during the winter transfer window, according to RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins.
The Gunners bolstered their midfield department last summer with the signings of Martin Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze and Christian Norgaard, but they could make another purchase soon.
Hawkins has revealed that Arsenal and Chelsea are interested in Bouaddi, but the Gunners have the upper hand and are ‘pushing hard’ to sign him in January to beat the fierce competition.
In a further update on RMC Sport, Hawkins revealed that sporting director Andrea Berta has already spoken with the player’s entourage, and Arsenal are willing to pay £39 million for him this winter.
Bouaddi only signed a new long-term contract earlier on Friday. It is claimed that Lille could be prepared to delay his departure until next summer. They are hoping for at least £44m to sanction his sale.
Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool are reportedly among clubs monitoring the 18-year-old midfielder, who has made 14 appearances in Ligue 1 this season.
Arsenal could seek to secure a mid-season deal for Bouaddi
Bouaddi made his first-team debut for Lille two years ago and has already accumulated 72 appearances.
He has been almost ever-present in Ligue 1 this campaign and has dazzled in a central midfield role.
The France youth international has won 4.4 duels per game alongside 4.6 recoveries and 1.5 tackles.
He has excelled with his dribbling skills and ability to deliver accurate long balls.
At Arsenal, Bouaddi can be compared to Declan Rice for his potential. He possesses a terrific work rate and has impressed with his high pressing and knack for making forward runs when required.
Berta obviously believes Arsenal would benefit from his services in the season run-in. Bouaddi may have penned a new deal, but there is only a small difference in the reported transfer valuation.
There could be high competition for the teenager’s services next summer, and the Gunners could be prepared to meet Lille’s £44m price tag this winter by including achievable add-ons.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com