Arsenal are currently in a strong position to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille for a fee of €70 million, according to reports from Sacha Tavolieri. The 18-year-old midfielder has emerged as one of Europe’s most promising talents and is expected to move this summer.
Bouaddi made his senior debut for Lille in late 2023, shortly after turning 16, and quickly established himself as a key player. He gained wider recognition following a standout performance against Real Madrid in the 2024-25 season, where Lille secured a 1-0 victory. A transfer to a major European club has been anticipated ever since.
Although linked with a potential departure in January, Bouaddi opted to extend his contract with Lille. However, he publicly stated that the extension would not prevent a summer transfer. Currently, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain are the leading contenders for his signature.
While Bouaddi reportedly prefers a move to PSG, Arsenal have been actively pursuing the player since January 2025 and have impressed him with assurances of regular playing time under manager Mikel Arteta, despite the Gunners’ already strong midfield options. Arsenal are utilizing “every argument they can” to convince him to choose North London.
Lille are also believed to favour a sale to Arsenal over PSG, as they view the Parisians as direct competitors and are unwilling to strengthen a rival. Lille president Olivier Letang reportedly has a good relationship with Arsenal, despite the Gunners signing Nicolas Pepe and Gabriel Magalhaes before his tenure. Letang is holding firm on the €70 million asking price.
Data analytics firm SciSports rates Bouaddi as having world-class potential, ranking him third among U20 midfielders with over 1,000 minutes played in the 2025-26 season, behind Warren Zaire-Emery of PSG and Adri Mehmeti of Red Bull New York. Arsenal are intensifying their efforts to secure Bouaddi’s signature and are optimistic about completing the deal. The addition of Bouaddi would further bolster Arsenal’s midfield options and provide long-term quality to the squad.
