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Analysis
- 44 minutes ago
Arsenal ready to agree deal for their next superstar signing
Cameron Smith
- 23 Mar 2026 14:55 GMT
- 4 min read
News
Lille wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi has emerged as one of Arsenal’s top targets for the upcoming summer transfer window as the Gunners look to bolster their midfield ranks ahead of next season.
The 18-year-old has established himself as one of Europe’s most highly-rated youngsters over the past 12 months and his progress is being closely tracked by a plethora of teams across the continent as he continues to impress in Ligue 1.
Current ETV
Ayyoub Bouaddi
M, DM (C)
Lille
Ayyoub Bouaddi
M, DM (C)
Lille
ETV Range
€35.7M - €43.6M
Bouaddi has already racked up 90 first-team appearances for Lille, providing four assists, and with an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €39.7 million, he is the most valuable player in the club’s squad by a considerable margin.
However, rumours in the French media have previously suggested that Lille could demand a bid worth up to €60m to sanction a sale this summer, with Bruno Genesio’s side reluctant to lose their prized asset unless they receive a blockbuster offer.
The France U21 international, who is also eligible for Morocco, signed a new three-year contract at Lille in December, but it’s understood that a transfer could be on the cards during the 2026 summer window amid substantial interest in his signature.
Ayyoub Bouaddi to Arsenal?
Arsenal have been considered to be the frontrunners in the race for Bouaddi for several months and TEAMtalk have now confirmed that he is one of their top targets for this summer.
Mikel Arteta’s side are in the market for a new right-back, a new left winger and a new centre forward ahead of the upcoming transfer window, but they are also keen to bolster their midfield options and Bouaddi has emerged as a candidate for the role, alongside Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali.
It’s claimed that Arsenal sent scouts to watch Bouaddi in action during Lille’s 2-1 win over Olympique Marseille on Sunday, although representatives from Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City were also reportedly in attendance.
When asked about his future in late 2025, amid interest from Arsenal, Bouaddi admitted: “I have extended until 2029 and next year is still far away. I am focused on this season and we have things to fight for.
“As I also said to the president [Olivier Letang], at the end of the season, there will be a choice to be made, and anything can happen. We don’t know what will happen.”
Rumours of an exit are therefore expected to intensify ahead of this summer, with Arsenal keen to fight off significant competition to secure his signature.
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