Arsenal Transfer News
Arsenal have entered the conversation for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, although the race already appears to lean heavily in Manchester City‘s favour. According to L’Équipe, with the report relayed by Transfer Feed, the Gunners admire the teenager, yet both Bouaddi and Lille currently prefer a switch to the Etihad Stadium instead of north London.
That immediately places Arsenal at a disadvantage before any serious negotiations gather pace. City have worked quietly behind the scenes, while Arsenal remain interested from a distance rather than controlling the situation.
Bouaddi’s rise has been extraordinary. Across the 2025/26 campaign, the 18-year-old made 44 appearances in all competitions and featured 31 times in Ligue 1, scoring once and supplying two assists. His composure stood out even more than his attacking output. He completed around 92% of his short passes in league football and became the youngest player ever to reach 50 Ligue 1 appearances. His stock climbed further at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after playing 384 minutes across five matches as Morocco reached the quarter-finals.
L’Équipe believes Manchester City remain the preferred destination for both player and club.
Why Ayyoub Bouaddi to Arsenal looks unrealistic
Bouaddi has every attribute needed to develop into a world-class midfielder. Even so, Arsenal would struggle to justify Lille’s reported €90-100 million valuation, equivalent to roughly £86 million at the highest figure.
That fee carries obvious risk for someone who has only completed one full breakthrough season. Arsenal already possess quality in central midfield, where Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard dominate the starting places. Spending almost £90 million on another midfielder would reduce flexibility elsewhere, especially if the club still wants further attacking reinforcements. There is another issue. Playing time.
Why Ayyoub Bouaddi to Arsenal should stay off the agenda
Manchester City seem able to offer exactly what Bouaddi wants. Reports indicate personal terms have already been agreed until 2031, while City’s proposal includes immediate involvement with Enzo Maresca’s senior squad. Ongoing uncertainty surrounding Rodri’s long-term future only strengthens that opportunity.
Arsenal can’t match that promise. Arteta is chasing major honours, and every league match carries huge pressure. Handing consistent starts to an 18-year-old in those circumstances would be difficult, regardless of his talent.
Scorzo’s opinion: Arsenal should avoid turning this into an expensive contest driven by hype. Bouaddi looks destined for the highest level, yet recruitment works best with discipline rather than emotion. If Manchester City already hold the player’s preference and can justify an enormous transfer package, Arsenal would achieve far better value by directing that money into proven first-team upgrades instead of forcing a battle that already appears to favour somebody else.