Arsenal and Manchester City are battling to sign Lille star Ayyoub Bouaddi this summer.
On June 13th, we relayed news of Arsenal’s efforts to convince the midfielder to pick them over Paris Saint-German. Lille president Olivier Létang had then set a €70m price.
Two weeks later, Sport Witness covered claims that Manchester City are best placed to sign him.
With the Premier League winners, the Citizens and others keen, these clubs are lining up for a bidding war.
Three days ago, The Athletic’s David Ornstein stated Enzo Maresca’s side are pushing hard for the midfielder, who has a price of around €100m.
Arsenal and Manchester City courting Bouaddi
L’Equipe now backs up the Premier League duo’s interest and claims these two clubs are ‘particularly keen’ on signing him.
The 18-year-old, who graduated from Lille’s academy, made his first team debut in 2023. Since then, he played 96 matches and 3153 minutes were from 42 matches last season.
Ayyoub Bouaddi has extended his impressive performances for Morocco at the World Cup, and this has further increased his value.
The rise would make a potential signing more expensive this summer, but the Ligue 1 side haven’t set a price for him yet.
Lille hope to retain young star
Olivier Létang, the French club’s president, dismissing English claims of a €100m price for Ayyoub Bouaddi, and L’Equipe have relayed his comments.
The Lille top boss also admits lack of clarity over the midfielder’s immediate future.
“I never discussed figures. But very few clubs today can afford a player of Ayyoub’s quality, who is only 18,” he said.
“What kind of environment would be best for him to continue developing? We’ve seen each other since he returned from the World Cup. I can’t say what we discussed.”
“Anything is still possible, but in my opinion, he should stay with us for another season. I’m convinced there’s a strong chance he’ll stay with us. And he would be very happy to do so.”
Lille could agree with another club this summer and also secure a season-long loan. When asked about this possibility, the president insists there will be more clarity in the coming weeks.
“Today, I didn’t have any discussions because I refused any talks with clubs that could afford the transfer fee during the World Cup. What I’m telling everyone is that there’s no rush. We’re very calm, just like Ayyoub,” Létang explained.
“We’ll take stock depending on what happens in the coming weeks. And you’re right, we have to be prepared for all eventualities. If he were to leave, we have to be ready.”