Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea have all indicated a willingness to loan Ayyoub Bouaddi back to Lille for the 2026/27 season as part of a potential transfer deal, according to TEAMtalk. The 18-year-old midfielder is one of the most highly sought-after young players in Europe, and Lille are prepared to sell him this summer, but are prioritizing his continued development with another year of regular first-team football.
Lille’s preference is to secure a sale this summer while simultaneously arranging a loan back to the French club for the following season. The Ligue 1 side, who will compete in the Champions League next term, believe another year of consistent play at a high level is crucial for Bouaddi’s progression. The player himself is reportedly open to all options, including remaining at Lille, a direct transfer, or a transfer followed by a loan.
Paris Saint-Germain previously expressed a similar willingness to agree to Lille’s loan-back structure, having monitored Bouaddi for over a year. The Premier League clubs initially favored integrating Bouaddi into their first teams immediately, but now recognize that accommodating Lille’s request could be the deciding factor in securing his signature. Liverpool and Manchester United are also monitoring the situation, but are currently less enthusiastic about the loan-back arrangement.
Interest in Bouaddi extends beyond the Premier League, with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich also in the hunt. However, it remains unclear whether these clubs will accept the loan-back condition. Ultimately, the decision is expected to rest with Bouaddi, who will consider both the long-term prospects offered by each club and the best environment for his development over the next year. Lille are seeking a world-record fee for an 18-year-old and are insistent on the loan-back clause as part of any deal.
