Latest Aston Villa transfer news as Villa join list of Premier League clubs tracking highly-rated youngster
Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi has been linked with Aston Villa
Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi has been linked with Aston Villa(Image: Getty)
Aston Villa are among a number of clubs said to have scouted Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi in action.
There is no shortage of interest in the 17-year-old as clubs look ahead to the summer transfer window, and Villa have seemingly joined the list of his admirers.
According to TBR Football, Villa have “taken the chance” to watch Bouaddi play and have been left with “glowing reports” on the youngster.
Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Brighton and Hove Albion are also said to have scouted him and are keeping tabs on him.
The emerging talent has interest outside of the Premier League, too, with Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig all having him on their radar.
Bouaddi is enjoying a breakthrough campaign in France. Although he made his debut last term, this season he has been playing regularly for the Ligue 1 side.
The midfielder is described by TBR Football as “one of the most highly rated” youngsters in France, if not Europe.
However, any club keen on trying to prise him away from Lille in the summer could have their work cut out.
It is said the club “would be in no mood” to let Bouaddi go as they contemplate losing Angel Gomes and Jonathan David on free transfers in the coming months.
And with the versatile France Under-21 international not turning 18 until October, he would be unable to move to the Premier League until 2026 anyway.
Able to operate as an attacking midfielder, holding midfielder and a central defender, Bouaddi has made 29 appearances across the league and Champions League for Lille so far this season.
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