Man Utd, Arsenal & Chelsea receive official Ayyoub Bouaddi update

Updated: 5 Jul 2026 17:51 BST | 5 min read

Ayyoub Bouaddi Man Utd Chelsea Arsenal — © IMAGO

Matthew Judge | Editor

Make us your Google favourite

Lille president Olivier Letang believes there are “very few clubs” who can afford Ayyoub Bouaddi after denying claims the Ligue 1 club are seeking a fee between €80million and €100m (£68.5m to £85.7m).

Article continues under the video

Bouaddi has established himself as one of the best young players in the world since emerging through Lille’s youth system in 2023, with the 18-year-old having already made 96 appearances for the club.

The teenage sensation has enhanced his burgeoning reputation at this summer's World Cup, with the midfielder having played a key role in helping Morocco reach the quarter-finals.

STATS

Ayyoub Bouaddi

M, DM (C)

Lille

Ayyoub Bouaddi

M, DM (C)

Lille

42

Games
0

Goals
1

Assists

Such has been Bouaddi’s impressive form in the middle of the park that Arsenal have opened talks with Lille over a possible summer transfer, according to The Times.

Sky Sports understands Manchester United are also monitoring developments regarding Bouaddi, while talkSPORT claims Chelsea remain in the race for the midfield metronome.

And The Athletic understands Manchester City are also interested in signing Bouaddi on a permanent basis before loaning him back to Lille for the 2026-27 season.

However, Lille chief Letang believes there are only a handful of clubs who are wealthy enough to afford Bouaddi, who he believes is already one of the best midfielders in the world.

In an interview with Eurosport, Letang said: “Many clubs are interested in him, but very few can afford him today. He is already one of the best midfielders in the world and still has a very important margin for improvement. He is only 18 years old and the whole future ahead of him. He is focused to continue to grow and win everything.”

Lille will factor in Anderson and Tonali fees when valuing Bouaddi

There has been loose speculation claiming Lille would only allow Bouaddi to leave this summer if they received a proposal between €80million and €100m (£68.5m to £85.7m).

However, Letang has now denied those claims and suggested Lille will factor in the transfers involving Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali when placing a valuation on Bouaddi’s shoulders.

Anderson joined Man City from Nottingham Forest for €135m (£116m) this week, while Tonali is on the verge of moving to Tottenham Hotspur from Newcastle United for €115m (£100m).

Letang added: “How to answer this question... I spoke, mentioned Bouaddi, [and] gave a figure? No, never. You have to look at his level. [There are] many players like Anderson or Tonali who are much older (23 and 26 respectively) but with no room for progress, so you have an idea of the value of Ayyoub, who has a unique profile at only 18 years old.”

Letang previously revealed in June that it would take an “extraordinary” fee for Lille to sell Bouaddi, who is contracted to the Stade Pierre Mauroy until 2029.

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

•Google Play

•App Store

Read more about: Ligue 1 Premier League Arsenal Chelsea Lille Man City Man Utd N. Forest Newcastle Tottenham Ayyoub Bouaddi Elliot Anderson Sandro Tonali