Arsenal have rekindled their interest in Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. They were credited with an interest in him before the January transfer window but did not make a formal move.
The Gunners have now made Bouaddi one of their midfield targets this summer, according to Sky Sports CH. They have been in regular contact with his representatives since January.
Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in Bouaddi, but they need to sell before exploring a move. The 18-year-old ‘slightly’ favours joining the French giants.
However, Arsenal have been able to convince the promising midfielder that he would become a vital part of their squad. He is now open to joining them.
Lille have placed a €70 million (£60m) valuation on Bouaddi, but negotiations will continue until after the World Cup, with the teenager set to represent Morocco at the tournament.
Bouaddi was excellent for Lille last term, helping them secure Champions League qualification. He featured in 30 league games, starting 28 of them and providing one assist.
The Moroccan midfielder can play on both sides of a double pivot, as a defensive midfielder and as a right-back.
He is known for his ‘strong anticipation and tackling ability‘, disrupting the opposition build-up through his intelligent positioning. He ranked second among the Lille players for tackles and fifth for interceptions game in the league last season.
Bouaddi is press-resistant which is crucial for a central midfielder in the first phase of build-up. His ability to use both feet and his flair enable him to glide past the opposition press.
His ball progression also improved last season. He averaged 1.2 accurate long balls per game, more than he did (0.8) in the previous campaign.
Bouaddi’s passing still needs improvement, but that should come with experience.
It remains unclear how much Arsenal would push for his signing considering manager Mikel Arteta’s admiration for Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali.