Arsenal have expressed interest in signing Moroccan international midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille during the summer transfer window, according to reports from Italian transfer journalist Nicolo Schira.
The 18-year-old has emerged as one of Europe's most sought-after young talents after establishing himself as a key figure for the French club and delivering a standout performance for Morocco at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Bouaddi, a product of Lille's academy, made headlines in October 2023 when he became the youngest player to appear in a European club competition, making his senior debut at the age of 16 years and three days in a UEFA Conference League match against KÍ Klaksvík.
Since then, the midfielder has enjoyed a rapid rise, making 96 appearances for Lille and becoming an integral part of a team that has consistently competed in European competitions. During the 2025-26 season, he played a central role in Lille's third-place finish in Ligue 1, helping the club secure direct qualification for next season's UEFA Champions League.
Interest in Bouaddi intensified following his impressive display in Morocco's World Cup opener against Brazil, a match that ended in a 1-1 draw. The young midfielder attracted widespread praise after producing one of the standout performances of the tournament's opening round.
Against the five-time world champions, Bouaddi recorded a match-high 88 touches, won 11 duels, more than any other player on the pitch, and completed 30 successful passes in the opposition half. He also finished the match with a 93 percent pass completion rate, highlighting the composure and technical ability that have made him one of Morocco's brightest prospects.
According to Schira, Arsenal are among several top European clubs monitoring the midfielder's situation. However, the Premier League side are expected to face strong competition from Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, both of whom have reportedly expressed interest in the player.
Lille are understood to value Bouaddi at between £60 million and £70 million, having tied him to a new contract only last November. The French club are therefore under little pressure to sell one of their most valuable young assets.
Born in France and representing Morocco internationally, Bouaddi is widely regarded as one of the most promising midfielders of his generation. His combination of technical quality, tactical intelligence and maturity has drawn praise from several observers, including football journalist Andy Brassell, who has described him as a "fantastic" talent.
With Arsenal looking to strengthen their midfield options for both the present and the future, Bouaddi has emerged as a player capable of fitting into the club's long-term plans, though any move is likely to require a substantial financial commitment.
