Arsenal are expected to go head to head with Paris Saint-Germain for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi at the end of the season, according to reports.
Football.London claims that “sources close to the player” have suggested that it will be a “straight shootout” between the two clubs for the 18-year-old this summer, despite Chelsea also being keen on the teenager.
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It was confirmed back in early December that sporting director Andrea Berta had held talks with Bouaddi’s representatives.
From the sound of things, those contacts have been maintained over the past couple of months.
How much will Bouaddi cost?
Reports in France have suggested that Chelsea were willing to put €45m (£39m) on the table for the young Frenchman during the January transfer window.
However, Lille were not interested in selling Bouaddi at the time, as he had just signed a new contract, keeping him with the Ligue One side until the end of the 2028/29 season.
Their stance is expected to change this summer, though, and it is felt that an offer in excess of €50m (£43m) would be seriously considered.
A concerted effort to sign Bouaddi is anticipated from PSG. The French champions have been actively pursuing younger players in recent years, and it appears the midfielder is their next major target.
Arsenal are hoping to strengthen their midfield
Despite bringing in the likes of Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard last summer, Berta and manager Mikel Arteta are said to be keen on reinforcing the middle of the park.
Norgaard was regarded as a stop-gap solution, so the Dane could depart after one season, while there are also concerns about the foot injury sustained by Mikel Merino.
That means there is scope for signing a promising young player like Bouaddi who can add depth in that position.
Read more about the Arsenal First Team Squad for 2025/26 here