Arsenal have had a €60 million bid rejected for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, according to Africa Foot. The 18-year-old has been a long-term target for the Gunners, who previously explored a transfer in January, but Bouaddi opted to sign a new contract with Lille at the time. Despite the renewal, a summer move remained a possibility, and Arsenal have returned with a substantial offer. Lille are reportedly holding out for at least €70 million for the Moroccan international, who is currently preparing for the World Cup.
Alongside the pursuit of Bouaddi, Arsenal are also engaged in formal talks with Leicester City winger Jeremy Monga, as confirmed by Ben Jacobs. The 16-year-old has attracted interest from numerous elite clubs across Europe and the Premier League, but is seeking a departure from Leicester following their relegation to League One. Monga has declined the opportunity to sign a professional contract with Leicester, increasing the likelihood of a transfer. A tribunal may be required to determine the fee, potentially reaching up to €15 million.
Further bolstering their options, Arsenal are also showing interest in Eintracht Frankfurt left-back Nathaniel Brown, as corroborated by Football.london. While Arsenal already have several players capable of playing in that position, including Riccardo Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly, the club believes adding a more traditional left-back would provide valuable depth, competition, and tactical flexibility. Calafiori and Bayer Leverkusen loanee Piero Hincapie can both cover at centre-back, highlighting the need for specialist cover.
In separate news, Bournemouth forward Eli Kroupi is reportedly dreaming of a transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, according to Foot Mercato. The 19-year-old French sensation is also a target for Arsenal and Manchester United, but appears to favour a move to the Champions League winners. Bournemouth are unlikely to let Kroupi leave easily, potentially demanding a fee in the region of €100 million for their prized asset. These moves signal Arsenal’s intent to strengthen their squad ahead of the upcoming season, addressing multiple positions with promising young talent.
