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News
- 39 minutes ago
Arsenal close to record-breaking transfer as Arteta makes 'decisive move'
Cameron Smith
- 28 Dec 2025 12:57 GMT
- 4 min read
News
Arsenal are pushing to beat Chelsea and Manchester United to the signing of Lille wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi next year.
Mikel Arteta’s side added Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard to their midfield roster over the summer, however they have now identified Bouaddi as one of their top targets for 2026 amid their continued pursuit of reinforcements.
Current ETV
Ayyoub Bouaddi
M, DM (C)
Lille
Ayyoub Bouaddi
M, DM (C)
Lille
ETV Range
€31.9M - €39M
The France U21 international has been a regular at Lille for the past two years and his immense development in Ligue 1 has attracted the attention of several Premier League scouts in recent months.
Paris Saint-Germain are, understandably, interested in acquiring the 18-year-old’s services, however they will face stern competition from Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd - all of whom have identified Bouaddi as a key target for next year.
All three clubs are expected to sign at least one new central midfielder in 2026, although Arsenal are believed to be the frontrunners for Bouaddi’s signature as things stand.
Reports in France suggest that Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has already been in contact with Bouaddi’s representatives to discuss a possible move to north London, while the Gunners are ready to lodge a formal offer for his services.
Ayyoub Bouaddi to join Arsenal
Italian publication TuttoJuve now report that Arsenal are set to make a “decisive move” for Bouaddi during the 2026 summer transfer window.
They have initiated contact with the Frenchman’s camp and they are now pushing to finalise an agreement for the teenager to arrive at the Emirates Stadium next summer.
It’s reported that Arsenal could even be set to submit a €45m bid for Bouaddi, which would make him the most expensive teenager to ever join the club - usurping the €30m fee paid for William Saliba back in 2019.
Juventus are also interested in signing the French youngster, although they don’t have the financial muscle to compete with Arsenal and are therefore unlikely to win the race for Bouaddi next year.
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