In a recent post on X, RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins stated that Arsenal are in the running to land Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. It has been mentioned that the Gunners would have to rival Manchester City, Manchester United and Bayern Munich in the race to sign the Moroccan talent later this year.
Bouaddi’s Impressive Rise In Ligue 1
Bouaddi enjoyed a good run of form at the French club in the previous campaign when he produced a run of eye-catching displays for them in the middle of the park. The 18-year-old secured one assist in 42 matches for Lille last season in all competitions.
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The talented teenager is currently among the most gifted central midfielders in Ligue 1. Thus, it is no wonder that Arsenal are in the mix to sign him in this transfer period.
His current contract at the French club will run out in the summer of 2029, which could make it difficult for the Gunners to sign him on the cheap later this year.
DORTMUND, GERMANY – MARCH 04: Ayyoub Bouaddi of Lille in action during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 first leg match between Borussia Dortmund and LOSC Lille at on March 04, 2025 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Daniel Kopatsch/Getty Images)
Arsenal Are In The Running For Bouaddi: Is He A Prospect For The Future?
Bouaddi is a good tackler of the ball and can sense the danger well to earn possession back for his team in the middle of the park. He doesn’t mind clearing his lines when the opposition are on the front foot and is a good passer as well from midfield.
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The Moroccan talent can even engineer the odd chance for his teammates in the final third. Bouaddi mainly functions as a box-to-box midfielder but can also play as a defensive midfielder if needed. However, there are some concerns over whether he can adapt to the physical side and high intensity of the Premier League if the Gunners manage to snap him up in this transfer period.
We can expect Bouaddi to bring more bite and steel to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s midfield. He has what it takes to nail down a regular first-team spot at the North London club in the coming seasons.
At 18, Bouaddi has got the potential to be a future star in English football as long as he continues to improve with each year. He is undoubtedly a prospect to watch out for in the future, so the Gunners would be wise to step up their efforts to sign him this off-season.
