Arsenal and Chelsea have been monitoring one of European football's hottest prospects but the Premier League pair have been dealt a blow ahead of the winter window
Ayyoub Bouaddi celebrating his new Lille contract
Ayyoub Bouaddi has agreed a new contract with Lille(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Arsenal and Chelsea's hopes of landing Ayyoub Bouaddi have been dealt a blow. The Lille star had been linked with a Premier League switch after impressing with Les Dogues, but has now signed a new contract.
"I am very happy and proud to extend my contract with LOSC, my boyhood club," the 18-year-old midfielder said after extending his deal until 2029. "This club has given me so much and contributed so much to my development, with people I appreciate, who form a big family.
"Everyone has helped me a lot in my growth and I hope that will continue. I would also like to thank the fans for their support. I remember that at the beginning, during my first matches, it wasn't always easy, but they were always there to support me. So it was only right to return the favor by extending my contract here."
Earlier in the week, RMC Sport had reported that Bouaddi was a target for Arsenal and Chelsea, while Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked. The French outlet claimed Gunners transfer chief Andrea Berta had already met with the youngster's representatives.
The new deal might stave off a January exit, but there are suggestions it won't stop clubs testing the water over a summer move. RMC Sport suggested the two London sides were readying bids in the region of £39m, though Lille president Olivier Letang was said to be holding out for more than that even before the renewal.
Despite his young age, Bouaddi has already established himself as a starter for Lille. The side from the north of France brought in more than £50m when they sold Leny Yoro, who enjoyed a similar early rise before being snapped up by Manchester United, and are unlikely to sell their latest wonderkid on the cheap.
The 18-year-old has missed just one Ligue 1 game this season, sitting out Friday's victory over Marseille through suspension after being sent off against Le Havre. He has also played in four of Lille's five Europa League games, having featured nine times in the Champions League last term.
Ayyoub Bouaddi in action for Lille
Bouaddi has established himself in Lille's side at a young age
View 2 Images
Bouaddi caught the eye last season when he started and starred in a 1-0 Champions League victory over Real Madrid on his 17th birthday. The youngster, who is pursuing a degree in maths, has earned plaudits for his intelligence both on and off the pitch.
"His intelligence serves him on many levels," France Under-21 boss Gerald Baticle said of Bouaddi. "He strikes the right tone, maintains the correct distance."
The teenager has already played eight times for Baticle's Under-21 side, despite only turning 18 two months ago. He scored his first goal at the age group level earlier this year against the Faroe Islands, when he joined PSG star Warren Zaire-Emery and Burnley's ex-Chelsea man Lesley Ugochukwu in the middle of the park
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice..
Content Image
Content Image