Arsenal are in talks to sign promising French midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Ligue 1 side Lille in January, reports RMC Sport.
The teenager is considered to be one of the hottest prospects in France and the Gunners are keen to beat off competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea and Parisian powerhouse PSG for the 18-year-old.
The Gunners are reportedly ready to bid £39m in order to secure Bouaddi’s services as they look to add another talented midfielder to the books.
Arsenal look to Bouaddi to bolster midfield
Arsenal were active in the summer window to strengthen in the middle of the park as they brought in Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard from Real Sociedad and Brentford, respectively.
Bouaddi made his professional debut back in 2023 and has gone on to consolidate a spot in this Lille start having made 13 league starts this season.
Bouaddi, who is able to represent France and Morocco at international level, has already turned out for the U21 side.
“In addition to his footballing qualities, he has an open mind, a vision on other things. In his way of expressing himself, it is precise and simple. He can be one of the future jewels of French football,” France U21 boss Gerard Baticle said of Bouaddi earlier this year.
And with interest in Bouaddi high, Arsenal are keen to steal a march on potential rivals as they look to add a new midfielder to the ranks.
Teenage midfielder pens new Lille deal to 2029
Les Dogues, though, are eager to retain the talented midfielder in January, who recently signed a two-and-a-half contract extension with Lille, meaning his current deal with the French side now runs until 2029.
As such, Lille will now likely push for a fee higher than the rumoured £39m Arsenal were prepared to offer for Bouaddi next month.
It remains to be seen how Bouaddi’s new contract will impact his future at Lille, or whether this was a move to drive up his asking price.
Bouaddi sat out Lille’s welcome of high-flying Marseille on Friday following his red card in their 1-0 win over Le Havre last weekend.
Lille have started the season well and went into the weekend’s action just five points behind league leaders Lens.
