Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly leading the pack to sign a French wonderkid, who is expected to cost over £40m.
The Gunners will be disappointed after they tasted a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa over the weekend, which has allowed Manchester City to close the gap at the top of the table to just two points. Mikel Arteta will be keen for his side to get back to winning ways in the Premier League against Wolves next weekend.
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Arsenal won’t be panicking, and they will be heading into the January transfer window very happy with their current squad, despite the recent injury problems they have faced.
However, it is understood that Arsenal will likely look to make opportune signings only in January, rather than any major and big impact signings. The Gunners are reportedly leading the race to sign a French wonderkid.
Arsenal and Chelsea leading race for Lille star Bouaddi
According to a report by SportsMole, the Gunners are leading the pack, alongside Premier League rivals Chelsea for Lille FC midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who is regarded in France to be one of the most promising and exciting wonderkids in world football.
The report says that the Premier League clubs are keen, despite the fact that he recently signed a new four year contract at Lille, and it is understood that the French club could be tempted to let him leave if the price is right.
Lille could accept a bid of around £44m in January for the 18-year-old, which is a hefty fee for a fairly young talent, but his ability is there to see. Bouaddi has made 72 appearances for Lille despite his young age, providing four assists.
He plays as a central midfielder, but is more of a holding midfielder compared to the likes of Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino and Declan Rice. He could become Arsenal’s long-term replacement for Thomas Partey.
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