Caughtoffside

Liverpool and Arsenal could be set for transfer battle over £40m-rated wonderkid

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Ayyoub Bouaddi, the 17-year-old Lille midfielder, is attracting intense interest from a host of top European clubs, including Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester United, alongside giants such as AC Milan, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and RB Leipzig.

Bouaddi has impressed significantly at Lille, not only in Ligue 1 but also on the Champions League stage, showcasing remarkable maturity and technical skill for his age. AC Milan is reportedly leading the race to sign him, preparing a strong bid to secure his signature before the transfer window fully opens. However, Premier League clubs remain vigilant, continuously scouting Bouaddi and ready to step in if the opportunity arises.

Liverpool and Arsenal could be set for transfer battle over £40m-rated wonderkid


Besides Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester United, English clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, and Brighton have also conducted checks on Bouaddi, reflecting his widespread admiration in English football circles. The challenge for these clubs is persuading the talented midfielder to choose the Premier League experience over Milan’s project.



Lille, Bouaddi’s current club, is keen to extend his contract, which runs until 2027, emphasizing their desire to retain him. However, the player might be reluctant to sign a new deal in France, given the scale and appeal of potential suitors across Europe. It is expected that any move to England would only be possible after Bouaddi turns 18 on October 2, 2025.



The youngster’s market value is estimated at around €28 million, and Lille would reportedly demand between €25-30 million to consider negotiating a sale. The competition for Bouaddi’s signature is fierce, with clubs from both the Premier League and continental Europe vying to snap up one of the hottest teenage prospects in football today.


PP