Ayyoub Bouaddi has made quite the impression for Morocco at the World Cup, attracting interest from lots of top clubs.
06:00, 25 Jun 2026
Morocco's Ayyoub Bouaddi during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Brazil and Morocco at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 13, 2026 in East Rutherford, United States
View 2 Images
Ayyoub Bouaddi for Morocco(Image: Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Ayyoub Bouaddi has told potential suitors what they need to do to secure his signature. The Lille wonderkid has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal this summer as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his options in the middle of the park.
football.london understands that the Gunners are interested in signing Bouaddi, whose contract at Stade Pierre Mauroy expires in June 2029. Arsenal have closely monitored the 18-year-old for a while now, with Andrea Berta said to be an admirer.
In fact, the sporting director, who views Bouaddi as a world-class prodigy, has already laid established ground in the race for his signature. It's understood that Berta contacted the Moroccan international's representatives at the start of the year as the Gunners look to sign someone who can operate as both a number six and a number eight.
Bouaddi has since established himself as one of the most promising young players at the World Cup following his impressive performances for Mohamed Ouahbi's side in the group stage. Arsenal face strong competition for the teenager, with Paris Saint-Germain said to also be keeping tabs on the situation.
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
According to The Athletic, Lille want to keep Bouaddi, having qualified for the Champions League, but they're aware of the impact of his performances on the international stage. The report claims that the French outfit would want around €80m (£69m) for his signature.
Meanwhile, it's said that Bouaddi has made a demand of his own. The Athletic reckon that the Moroccan would favour joining a team where he can consistently play a key role in the starting lineup.
Ayyoub Bouaddi.
View 2 Images
Ayyoub Bouaddi has been a shining star at the World Cup(Image: GSI/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
He was one of the first names on the teamsheet at Lille last season, featuring 42 times across all competitions. Bouaddi was rarely dropped by Bruno Génésio, missing just as many games due to suspension (three) as he was an unused substitute.
Although Arsenal are expected to compete on all fronts next season, with the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup all up for grabs, Berta will not be able to guarantee to Bouaddi that he hits the ground running as a key player.
He'll likely be competing with Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, and Christian Nørgaard, as well as possibly Myles Lewis-Skelly, for opportunities in a double pivot. Even if Arteta were to field a midfield-three, Martin Ødegaard and Eberechi Eze would suddenly be thrown into the mix, too.
Although they may not be able to offer Bouaddi as many minutes as he would perhaps like, Berta could certainly sell him the project at the Emirates Stadium. Speaking to reporters last month, the Gunners boss outlined his plans to take his side to 'another level'.
Article continues below
Arteta said: "First of all, I will take a few days with my family, and then we will start the process to review what we have done. We will have to start making some very important decisions if we want to reach another level.
"We are going to have to show that ambition because we are more than capable of doing it, but it is going to demand us to be very ambitious, very fast and very smart."
Welcome to 'Seeing Red' - our new Arsenal podcast
We've launched a new Arsenal podcast 'Seeing Red' with chief football writer John Cross and Arsenal reporter Tom Canton.
Each week, they will dive deep into the biggest topics as they follow Mikel Arteta's side every step of the way - and will also discuss nostalgic flashbacks before each fixture.
It's a great time to be an Arsenal fan, with the Gunners flying high under Arteta as they look to win silverware this season.
The North Londoners are going strong in the Premier League and Champions League - and they're also in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
We'll provide insight and reaction - and have fun along the way - as Arsenal target the biggest trophies this season.
No stone will be left unturned. VAR controversy? Poor performances? Unsung hero who deserves praise? Fixture chaos? We'll have it all covered.
Click here to view our YouTube channel
Click here to download our podcasts