Manchester City are considering a move for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, potentially hijacking interest from Arsenal and Chelsea, according to Fabrizio Romano. Unlike the other interested parties, City are prepared to allow the 18-year-old Morocco international to remain at Lille for another season as part of any potential deal.
The Cityzens’ interest is described as “genuine” and represents a serious challenge to Arsenal’s pursuit, despite recently completing the signing of Elliot Anderson. Arsenal are still engaged in talks with Bouaddi, but Lille may find City’s offer, with the added benefit of a continued season of development in France, more appealing.
Elsewhere, Arsenal are monitoring the situation surrounding Morten Hjulmand at Sporting CP. The Portuguese club are poised to sign Sergi Altimira from Real Betis, which has cleared the way for Hjulmand to move on this summer. Sporting have indicated they will not prevent the Denmark international from leaving, valuing him at approximately €50 million.
Arsenal and Manchester United have both been linked with the 26-year-old Hjulmand, with reports last month suggesting the Gunners had already made contact with his representatives. The midfielder is reportedly a long-time Arsenal supporter, evidenced by a tattoo of the club’s badge.
FootballTransfers understands that Bruno Guimaraes has granted Arsenal permission to initiate discussions with Newcastle United regarding a potential transfer. The Gunners recently submitted a verbal offer for the Brazil international, but it was rejected by Newcastle, who maintain Guimaraes is not for sale. Arsenal are expected to return with an improved bid.
Further afield, Arsenal are tracking the progress of 17-year-old Tijuana and Mexico international Gilberto Mora, as reported by El Universal. Mora recently signed a new, record-breaking contract with Tijuana that includes a release clause allowing him to move to Europe upon turning 18 later this year, attracting attention from several top clubs including Manchester United and Real Madrid.
