Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi has said he is “really happy” that clubs are interested in signing him this summer.
It was immediately after Bouaddi impressed in Morocco’s 1-1 draw with Brazil that news broke of Liverpool and Arsenal making ‘direct contact’ with the Lille midfielder.
Following his World Cup debut, the 18-year-old was asked about the speculation around his future.
He responded: “For the moment, I’m only focused on the World Cup. I cannot answer this right now.
“I am really happy to know that some clubs are interested in me, but for now, I’m here focused on the World Cup with Morocco and we will try to give everything to do our best.”
Morocco's Ayyoub Bouaddi against Brazil during the World Cup Group C soccer match in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Saturday, June 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
It was a diplomatic response from the youngster, as you may expect, but an answer that did hint he is keen to explore a move this summer.
Transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano claimed Arsenal and Liverpool have both held meetings with the 18-year-old’s agent, while Paris Saint-Germain are also said to be monitoring him.
Bouaddi wouldn’t come cheap, though, because Lille tied him down to a new three-and-a-half-year contract in December.
He is reported to be valued at about £60 million. Romano said: “That was a smart move, to be in control of the situation.
“But it’s also true that Lille are also, first of all, aware of what’s going to happen next.
“Lille know very well that top clubs will be coming for Bouaddi, because even before the World Cup some of the biggest clubs in the world started some conversations with his agents.”
These are still early days and nothing is likely to be decided until after Morocco’s exit from the World Cup, but it does appear that Arsenal are currently the frontrunners to sign Bouaddi.
Outlets, including the Times, say the Gunners are in talks to sign the Lille talent.
We will get another chance to see Bouaddi in action when Morocco head to Boston, looking to build on their point against Brazil, as they face Scotland on Friday, June 19 at 11pm (BST).
They then conclude their Group C fixtures with a match against Haiti in Atlanta, at 11pm on Wednesday, June 24.