Chelsea are among the clubs battling for Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Morocco international’s development at the Ligue 1 side has seen him attract interest from the Premier League.
Chelsea have joined the list of clubs pursuing the midfielder and face tough competition to secure his services.
Earlier this month, we relayed news that the French club rejected Arsenal’s €60m bid for the 18-year-old.
At the weekend, Sport Witness covered claims of the Gunners’ ongoing efforts to convince the midfielder to pick them over Paris Saint-Germain. Lille president Olivier Létang, for his part, is demanding €70m to part ways.
Chelsea also interested
Claims elsewhere have mentioned Liverpool as an interested party. Media Foot back up both the Reds and Gunners interest when covering the latest on the west London club.
They state ‘Chelsea are very keen’ on Ayyoub Bouaddi, who is a product of Lille’s youth system.
He made his first team debut in 2023 and has played 96 matches, of which 42 are from this season. At the weekend, he played the full 90 minutes in Morocco’s 1-1 draw against Brazil in the World Cup.
The youngster has been on the radar of a few top clubs like Arsenal, Liverpool and PSG, and Xabi Alonso’s side are also in the mix.
Chelsea have made their move and are doing everything they can to convince the player to pick them over others. Media Foot claim the Stamford Bridge club are among the best positioned clubs to secure his services.
PSG are also keen. If given an opportunity, Bouaddi will consider joining them as Media Foot state his childhood dream was to play for the French club. However, PSG advisor Luis Campos is prioritising strengthening other areas over midfield.
Why Chelsea may find it difficult
Arsenal, PSG and Liverpool are all in the Champions League. The former two even won their respective titles and were in this season’s Champions League final.
On the other hand, the Blues finished 10th in the table and are not in Europe next season. They also have midfield positions well covered.
Taking these factors into account, it may be difficult now for Chelsea to beat the three other clubs and convince Ayyoub Bouaddi.
The Lille star has a contract until 2029 and his value, as per Transfermarkt, is €50m.