Arsenal legend Alan Smith believes Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi has a big future ahead of him following his performance against Brazil.
The Gunners are one of several teams pursuing the Moroccan international, and speaking exclusively to Gooner News (courtesy of Best Betting Sites UK), Smith said that he can see why so many clubs are interested in signing the player:
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“I did the Morocco game, and Bouaddi was very impressive in the middle of the park there. Only 18 years of age, great temperament, and he got about Casemiro and Guimaraes, and he’s got such good energy. As you’d expect for a teenager.”
“But he’s going places, I think, Bouaddi, definitely. A lot of Premier League clubs will be looking at him now.”
Bouaddi’s stock is rising fast
Lille are said to be demanding upwards of £60m for the 18-year-old, and the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Liverpool have also been credited with an interest in the player.
Bouaddi is reportedly a boyhood PSG fan, which may complicate negotiations if he does hold out for a transfer to the Parc des Princes.
However, it has also been claimed that the Ligue One side are not prioritising a move for a midfielder this summer, which should give Arsenal a decent shot of securing his signature.
Arsenal are looking at multiple midfielders
It is believed that sporting director Andrea Berta has had talks with the agents of several targets, including Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, Roma’s Manu Kone, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Larsson and Bouaddi.
Based on what they saw of him in his first World Cup match, plenty of Gunners fans would back an approach for Bouaddi over the other options under consideration, but a lot also depends on cost.
Demand for Bouaddi may well increase his asking price, so you can’t rule out Berta and manager Mikel Arteta deciding to alter their plans and pursue an alternative.