Arsenal could do with investing in youthplaceholder image
Arsenal could do with investing in youth | AFP via Getty Images
Arsenal are said to be interested in a talented young midfielder who is currently impressing in France.
Arsenal are said to be battling a Premier League rival for a talented young midfielder who is impressing in Ligue 1. The Gunners have enjoyed a superb campaign so far, even with the weekend’s late defeat to Aston Villa, which saw Arsenal’s lead eroded to just two points.
Arsenal spent big last summer in a bid to set up this big campaign, and it’s likely that big spending will lead to a conservative January transfer window. The Gunners have built a hugely talented squad with depth aplenty, but they will be on the lookout for young talent.
The North London side cannot keep spending big to procure top talents long-term, and it’s likely their spending focus will turn youth-based. Clubs can save big by signing top prospects at a younger age, and that’s something Arsenal need to do better at after missed swings on the likes of Albert Sambi Lokonga, Fabio Vieira and others.
One young player Arsenal are now said to like the look of is Lille’s talented young midfielder, Ayyoub Bouaddi. The 18-year-old has already racked up 47 league appearances for Lille, and he is an eight-time France under-21s international, playing well ahead of his age group.
It’s reported that the youngster could get a senior call-up soon as France look to avoid him being capped by Morocco, who he is also eligible to play for.
According toSanti Aouna, Arsenal are battling Manchester United for the young midfielder, and a number of other top European sides are also credited with an interest. Arsenal may find it difficult to convince Bouaddi to make the move given the level of competition they already have in their midfield, but it will depend on the youngster’s ambition and confidence.
Bouaddi is already valued at at £26.2million by Transfermarkt, and it’s likely Lille, who tied him down to a contract until 2029 earlier this month, will demand much more than that to sell given his potential.
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