Ayyoub Bouaddi shakes up Europe: Arsenal and Chelsea open their checkbooks

– bySaid · 2 min read
Ayyoub Bouaddi shakes up Europe: Arsenal and Chelsea open their checkbooks

Lille hopes to lock up its gem Ayyoub Bouaddi until 2029, but the pressure is mounting. Arsenal and Chelsea are ready to submit an offer close to 45 million euros this winter for the Franco-Moroccan midfielder, forcing the northern club to set its financial demands higher.

The 18-year-old player is attracting the attention of the biggest European clubs after his successful debuts in the league and the European Cup. Arsenal seems the most active on this file, with sporting director Andrea Berta having already contacted the midfielder’s entourage to anticipate the competition, according to RMC. The London club and its rival Chelsea are willing to invest massively to secure his services immediately. Other English giants like Manchester City, United and Liverpool are observing the situation, as well as PSG who appreciates the profile without having made a concrete offer.

Lille demands more than 50 million euros

The LOSC management refuses for the moment to consider a departure during the season. Olivier Létang, the club’s president, has set an entry ticket of more than 50 million euros for a possible transfer next summer. Behind the scenes, negotiations are already underway to extend the player’s contract by two additional years.

Beyond his future at the club, Ayyoub Bouaddi is at the heart of a tug-of-war between Morocco and France. Although he is currently playing with the France Under-21 team and is being followed by the senior staff, the player holds dual nationality. The Moroccan national team is trying to convince him to opt for the Atlas Lions.