Arsenal’s pursuit of Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi has received another complication after Manchester United joined the growing list of clubs tracking the highly-rated teenager.
The 18-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign for both club and country, with his performances at the World Cup further strengthening his reputation as one of Europe’s brightest midfield prospects.
Manchester United are the latest Premier League side to register their interest as they continue evaluating midfield reinforcements ahead of the new season.
The Red Devils are understood to have added Bouaddi to their shortlist as they assess long-term options in the middle of the pitch.
That development increases the competition for Arsenal, who have monitored the Morocco international for some time.
Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked with the midfielder in recent weeks, highlighting the level of interest in his signature.
Despite Arsenal’s admiration for Bouaddi, the club’s immediate priority in midfield remains Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes.
The Premier League champions continue to explore whether Newcastle’s stance on the Brazilian could soften later in the transfer window, although the Magpies have repeatedly insisted he is not for sale.
Bouaddi therefore remains one of several midfield options Arsenal are keeping under consideration should circumstances change.
Lille are understood to value the teenager highly after his rapid development over the past year.
Reports suggest the French club would seek a fee of between €80 million and €100 million for any permanent transfer this summer.
It has also been claimed Lille would ideally like Bouaddi to remain on loan for another season if a deal is agreed, allowing him to continue his development before moving abroad.
Whether any interested club is prepared to accept those conditions remains to be seen.
Bouaddi has continued to enhance his reputation during the World Cup with composed displays in Morocco’s midfield against elite opposition.
His ability to progress the ball, evade pressure and dictate possession has attracted scouts from across Europe.
Although naturally capable of operating in a deeper role, the teenager is equally comfortable carrying the ball forward and linking attacks, making him one of the most versatile young midfielders on the market.
For Arsenal, the increasing competition could make any future move considerably more complicated.
The Gunners remain attentive to Bouaddi’s situation while prioritising other midfield targets, but Manchester United’s emergence ensures the race for one of European football’s most sought-after young talents is becoming increasingly competitive.
With several heavyweight clubs now involved and Lille under no pressure to sell, Bouaddi’s future looks set to remain one of the major stories of the summer transfer window.