Real Madrid have added Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi to their transfer shortlist after manager Jose Mourinho requested two more signings, according to Marca. The 18-year-old, also a target for Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, is valued at €80 million (£68.9 million) by Lille.
Mourinho's rebuilding plan
Following a disastrous 2025-26 season, Mourinho returned for a second stint at the Santiago Bernabeu and has already secured four new signings: Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries, Marc Cucurella, and Bernardo Silva. Marca reports that Mourinho has asked for at least two more additions, specifically a centre-half and a creative midfielder.
Midfield targets
Enzo Fernandez is the top midfield target, but Chelsea are demanding £120 million for the Argentina international. Mateus Fernandes of West Ham United is also admired, though Tottenham are now leading the race for his signature ahead of Manchester United. Bouaddi has been added to the shortlist as Real Madrid monitor his performances at the World Cup with Morocco.
Arsenal have reportedly made an approach for Bouaddi, who has expressed interest in joining Mikel Arteta's side. However, Lille are keen to keep him for another season and will demand a high fee. Bouaddi also wants a key role at his next club, ruling out a move where he would have reduced playing time.
Giroud's praise
Former Arsenal and Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud praised Bouaddi, saying: 'I've been amazed by his maturity and also his entourage is really good. His head is well done in the sense that he is calm, confident, he’s staying himself. It’s a gift to have him in the team and I think Morocco is very, very pleased to have him. He’s shown that from the first game and I think that’s just the beginning… 18 years old.' Giroud added that friends sent him comparisons to Patrick Vieira and Sergio Busquets, calling Bouaddi 'a complete player, he’s very versatile, he’s all over the place, a bit like N’Golo Kante.'
