With Lille OSC determined to keep their rising star, 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi is drawing attention from Europe’s elite clubs this summer. The young talent, set to compete in his first FIFA World Cup with Morocco, has become a key figure in Lille’s squad—and club president Olivier Létang has made it clear he intends to retain him for the coming season.
However, despite Lille’s firm stance, a lucrative offer could still pave the way for a departure. Among the clubs monitoring his progress, Paris Saint-Germain stands out as Bouaddi’s personal favorite. Meanwhile, another top European side, Arsenal, has also entered the race, adding an intriguing twist to the young player’s future.
Arsenal joins the chase: Bouaddi’s ideal starting point
According to trusted football insiders, Arsenal has been in contact with Bouaddi’s representatives since January 2025. The English club, under the guidance of manager Mikel Arteta, has identified the Moroccan prodigy as a priority target to strengthen its midfield. Reports suggest Bouaddi has shown openness to the Gunners’ proposal, though his heart remains with the French capital.
Lille sets the price: an astronomical figure needed for a move
While Arsenal believes it can compete financially, Lille’s valuation remains extremely high. Club leadership has repeatedly emphasized their reluctance to part ways unless an extraordinary bid materializes. Olivier Létang left no room for doubt in recent statements: ‘We’ve had regular exchanges with Ayyoub. Our goal is to keep him. If a truly exceptional offer comes in, we might consider it—but anything below €50 million? Absolutely not. That’s nowhere near enough to make us entertain a sale.’