Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta may look to a star for the future this January transfer window.placeholder image
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta may look to a star for the future this January transfer window. | AFP via Getty Images
Arsenal sit top of the Premier League after an imperious festive period of fixtures
Arsenal continue to be linked with several players this January transfer window despite the Gunners’ healthy position at the top of the Premier League table, as Mikel Arteta’s side look to secure a first league title since the Invincibles of 2003/04.
An outstanding squad has been built by the Spaniard in recent years as trophy glory has come ever closer to the Emirates, though they have fallen just short up to this point. But a net spend of over £250 million over the summer may have been a decisive factor as the Gunners have reached a new level this term.
As such, their January transfer dealings have appeared to have more of an eye on signing the next superstar who could light up the Emirates. Real Madrid prodigy Arda Guler is one player who has been linked with a stunning move to north London following the recent departure of Xabi Alonso from the Bernabeu, while a move for another talented young star has been touted.
Arsenal links with Lille wonderkid intensify
Reports by The Mirror state that Arsenal are looking to ‘wrap up’ a January move for Lille starlet Ayyoub Bouaddi, amidst claims they have taken ‘formal steps’ in securing a move for the 18-year-old midfielder, who could cost ‘more than £43m’.
Bouaddi became the youngest player in Lille history to appear in European competition aged 16 and has continued to develop into one of the most highly-rated young players in Ligue 1, making 18 starts in all competitions this term as the French outfit compete for a top four place alongside their Europa League exploits.
Arsenal are not the only European giant looking to secure Bouaddi’s signature, as Chelsea, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are also reported to be ‘tracking’ the player, who was dubbed a ‘teen sensation’ by the Daily Star. Manchester United were previously touted as holding an interest. Whether Lille are prepared to sanction a mid-season move remains to be seen.
Bouaddi ‘intelligence’ praised as transfer battle develops
RMC Sport initially reported back in December that Arsenal were ‘pushing hard’ for the signature of Bouaddi, ‘highly noted’ for his performances in Lille amidst a battle for his international allegiance which is underway between France and Morocco. A similar battle could be set to take place for his future at club level as soon as this month, though Arsenal will hope to secure a deal quickly and avoid a major bidding war.
Bouaddi is no stranger to the headlines following his record-breaking senior debut for Lille in October 2023, aged just 16 years and three days old, against Faroese club KÍ in the UEFA Conference League group stage.
"It's not normal to play like that at that age," then manager Paulo Fonseca said that day following the match.
In 2023, aged just 15, Bouaddi took part in a public speaking contest for professional academy players in France, before sitting the equivalent to his A-Levels a year early and achieving top marks in summer 2024, as reported by BBC Sport.
"His intelligence serves him on many levels," declared France Under-21 head coach Gerald Baticle. "He strikes the right tone, maintains the correct distance."
While Bouaddi’s career in the professional game is only just beginning, the praise he has received both on and off the pitch reflects the player he could become. As links with Arsenal continue to strengthen, the belief grows that the 18-year-old may be ready to challenge for the biggest honours as he prepares to take his next step.
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