Arsenal have monitored Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi but remain focused on landing Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle, allowing Manchester City to have a free run at the player
Ayyoub Bouaddi
Ayyoub Bouaddi is admired by Arsenal but Man City are the ones actively pursuing a deal
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Lille president Olivier Letang insists he expects Ayyoub Bouaddi to stay with the club this season despite transfer interest from Manchester City.
The Moroccan starlet caught the eye at the World Cup with the Atlas Lions after switching international allegiances before the tournament started.
Arsenal have had the player on their radar since 2025 but have not shown a willingness to move for him, despite their desire to recruit a new central midfielder, due to the figures requested by Lille.
City have held talks, reports in France suggest the player and his father have met with City execs as they continue to discuss the potential sale of Rodri to Real Madrid.
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But Letang says a deal isn't close right now, stating during a press conference: "It's quite surprising how some rumours can gain so much traction. An imminent agreement with a club that plays in sky blue, That's not true.
"There are indeed interests from very, very big clubs. But very few can afford him. I told you last time that I thought Ayyoub would stay with us, and I'm still holding that position. For now, the situation remains the same."
If City are to eventually strike a deal, it's thought the French club will push to keep Bouaddi on loan for the coming season.
City may not have wiggle room to date that given there's a firm possibility Rodri could head back to Spain with Real Madrid.
Enzo Maresca's side have already splashed huge cash on Elliot Anderson, a £116million arrival from Nottingham Forest, but there's a firm argument the club would still need another midfielder having also lost Bernardo Silva.
Olivier Letang
Lille president Olivier Letang says a deal isn't close with Man City for Ayyoub Bouaddi
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Arsenal do not seem to be willing to enter the race while PSG have continually been linked even though Bouaddi is not a priority for the European champions.
Given PSG already have Joao Neves, Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz, a new central midfielder is not considered a necessity.
For now, the Gunners are focusing their efforts on securing a deal for Bruno Guimaraes, who is their top midfield target.
If remains to be seen whether they'd be interested in Bouaddi at a later date if they cannot land the Newcastle captain, though a transfer seems increasingly likely.
Bouaddi has also been watched by Liverpool and Real Madrid after catching the eye in Morocco's World Cup opener against Brazil in New Jersey.
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