Arsenal and Liverpool ready to go head-to-head for 18-year-old Lille star Ayyoub Bouaddi

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from The Boot Room or go back to LFC Live.

TBR Football can reveal that Arsenal and Liverpool are firmly in the mix alongside other Premier League sides to launch a 2026 move for Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi, one of the most talked-about young talents in world football.Despite Bouaddi being just 18, Arsenal have been tracking him since before he made his first-team debut at 16.TBR Football revealed last year that Arsenal were keen, while we also confirmed earlier this year that Liverpool’s scouts were left impressed by the player.Indeed, almost every major club in Europe is on Bouaddi’s trail. He is a holding midfielder, but having only turned 18 in October, 2026 is the first time he is available to Premier League clubs.Photo by Julian Finney – UEFA/UEFA via Getty ImagesArsenal and Liverpool aside, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham are all monitoring him regularly.Sources: Lille preparing for Ayyoub Bouaddi sale amid Premier League interestReal Madrid, Bayern Munich, and RB Leipzig are also paying close attention, particularly heading into the New Year, as sources with knowledge of Bouaddi’s situation have confirmed to TBR Football that Lille are preparing for the likely departure of their prized asset.Lille, who have produced remarkable players including Eden Hazard and Leny Yoro, believe Bouaddi is the same type of talent.Our chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey, revealed: “When I speak to scouts and recruitment staff in the Premier League, every major club mentions Bouaddi.

There is not a more talked-about player in Europe than him.“In England, there are the likes of Wharton and Anderson, but in Europe, Bouaddi is the name on everyone’s lips, and the battle to land him is already ongoing.Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images“I am told Arsenal and Liverpool are among the most interested – they love the player – but they are far from alone.“Lille know they have a generational talent on their hands. When you speak to sources close to the club, they mention Eden Hazard’s name and believe Bouaddi is capable of reaching that level.“But now that he has turned 18, they realise it is unlikely he will remain after this season.”