Arsenal have taken the first significant step in their pursuit of one of the most exciting young talents in world football.
According to The Times, Arsenal have begun talks to sign LOSC Lille star Ayyoub Bouaddi.
The 18-year-old further enhanced his growing reputation with an eye-catching performance in Morocco’s 1-1 World Cup draw against Brazil.
Lille are in no rush to sell but could sanction a sale for around £60 million.
Arsenal will face intense competition to sign him, with Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and several other European heavyweights interested.
Ayyoub Bouaddi would be a sensational signing
The Gunners are looking to bolster their midfield this summer.
They have set their sights on Mateus Fernandes but the West Ham United star is expected to move to Manchester United.
They are also monitoring the situation of Alex Scott but Bournemouth have no intention of selling the 22-year-old.
The South Coast outfit want Scott to sign a new contract and are open to including a £75m release clause for the future.
Scott would be a good addition but Bouaddi could be a real wildcard for the Premier League champions.
The French teenager possesses the type of ceiling that could elevate him into one of Europe’s elite midfielders.
Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino are likely to be three senior midfielders at Arsenal next season, with Christian Norgaard expected to leave this summer.
Myles Lewis-Skelly is another option available to manager Mikel Arteta.
Bouaddi came through the academy at Lille and made his Champions League debut at the age of 17.
The defensive midfielder has already made 96 appearances for the first team over the last three years.
Arsenal must accelerate their pursuit because a strong World Cup campaign could send Bouaddi’s value soaring well beyond the current £60m estimate.
The longer Arsenal wait, the more expensive this transfer could become.
Stats from Fotmob.com