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Posted on June 15, 2026 5:00 pm | Updated on June 15, 2026 1:49 pm Arsenal edge closer to Bouaddi deal after Morocco’s World Cup masterclass.
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Arsenal are reportedly edging closer to a deal for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. The 18-year-old impressed everyone with his display for Morocco against Brazil at the World Cup. The latest Arsenal news suggests his performance has only sped up the club’s plans this summer.
Ayyoub Bouaddi shines on the big stage
Bouaddi was the standout player as Morocco took on Brazil in their opening Group C clash that ended 1-1 after Ismael Saibari’s early opener was cancelled out by a Vinicius Junior equaliser. The teenager ran the midfield with a calm rarely seen in players his age. He often set the tempo against older and more experienced opponents.
As reported by Goal, Arsenal’s interest in the player goes back to early 2025, long before this tournament began. Sporting director Andrea Berta is said to have already opened talks with people close to Bouaddi. His showing against Brazil only made the club more sure that he is worth chasing, and many now see it as a sign that a deal could move fast this window.
Morocco’s setup let their full backs push forward with freedom. Ayyoub Bouaddi gave the side balance from a role deeper in midfield. He read the game well, broke up Brazilian attacks, and still found time to send out clever passes. He rarely gave the ball away under pressure, with his passing accuracy standing out. French football fans have pointed out how their own midfield could use a player like him, especially since the French-born once led their U21 side before he chose to play for Morocco instead.
Ayyoub Bouaddi’s Stats (2025/26 Season), as per FOTMOB:
Competition Appearances Tackles Interceptions Dribbles Duels Won%
Ligue 1 30 59 27 34 56.6%
Europa League 10 15 3 8 58.6%
Competition heats up from other clubs
As reported by Football London, Arsenal are not the only club watching Bouaddi right now. Paris Saint Germain have also been linked with a move for the midfielder. Given their money, the French side could move fast if talks go well. They are said to want a player who can play well as both a number six and a number eight, a role that fits Bouaddi’s game closely based on his recent form.
Other Premier League sides have also been looking at midfield options this summer. But the price tags on some targets remain a problem for clubs. West Ham’s £80 million valuation of Mateus Fernandes is seen as too high, while Newcastle are also expected to demand a strong fee for Sandro Tonali, another midfielder on Arsenal’s radar. Bouaddi, by comparison, looks like better value for a player many think will keep getting better with time and the right coaching.
Why does this deal make sense for Arsenal?
The Gunners have built a strong name for spotting young talent early and helping it grow. Ayyoub Bouaddi fits that pattern well and sharing a dressing room with someone like Declan Rice could help his growth a lot. His showing against Brazil was not just a flash of brilliance. It showed real maturity, sharp vision, and game smarts rarely seen in players his age.
As reported by Goal, Lille had reportedly set their asking price near to £60 million before the World Cup began. Given his recent form, that number could rise even more as big clubs join the race. For now, the latest Arsenal news points to real hope behind the scenes at the club, with insiders calling Ayyoub Bouaddi a key target for its long-term plans.
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Deepanjali Bhardwaj
Deepanjali Bhardwaj is a Sports Writer at Six Sports, covering both football and cricket with a focus on match developments, player performances, and key talking points across the two sports. Her work combines timely reporting with clear analysis, helping readers stay informed about major matches, tournaments, and emerging storylines in the football and cricket landscape. Through her coverage at Six Sports, Deepanjali contributes match reports, analytical pieces, and feature stories that highlight important moments, team strategies, and standout player performances across domestic and international competitions.
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