Arsenal have begun talks to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi but they are not the bookies' favourites to land the Morocco World Cup sensation. The teenager enhanced his burgeoning reputation with a commanding performance at the heart of his nation's midfield as the 2022 semi-finalists began their campaign with an encouraging 1-1 draw against Brazil.
After sealing their first Premier League title in 22 years, Mikel Arteta and Josh Kroenke have stressed the importance of bolstering the squad from a position of strength. Arteta has designs on strengthening in both midfield and attack after watching his side's rearguard effort narrowly fail to culminate in what would have been a maiden Champions League triumph. Defeat on penalties against Paris Saint-Germain has crystallised the need to invest heavily again, and the Gunners have already begun the process of recruiting Bouaddi, who is valued at around £60 million by Lille.
Speaking about his future, however, after his eye-catching display in the Group C opener, the 18-year-old revealed he was in no rush to make a decision. 'I'm really happy to know that some clubs are interested in me,' he told The Athletic. 'But for now I'm only focused on the World Cup and we will try to give everything to do our best.'
Liverpool lead the race
According to The Times, Arteta plans to rotate four players in his engine room next season, with Declan Rice, Myles Lewis-Skelly (who enjoyed a new lease of life in his more natural role over the run-in), and Martin Zubimendi to be supplemented by a new addition. West Ham's Mateus Fernandes was on Arsenal's radar, but the Portugal international appears increasingly likely to join Manchester United, with Real Madrid having ruled themselves out of the running.
The Gunners won't have a free run, however, at a player who helped Lille finish third in Ligue 1 last season. Chelsea and Manchester United have also been credited with an interest, but it is Liverpool who are ranked as the favourites to sign a player very much in demand. Andoni Iraola was appointed as Arne Slot's successor earlier this month and, like his close friend and compatriot Arteta, midfield is certain to be an area he focuses on strengthening. The likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones powered the Reds to the title during Slot's first season in charge, but all three struggled for form and fitness last term.
Ayyoub Bouaddi next club odds
- Liverpool: 15/8
- Arsenal: 5/2
- Man Utd: 3/1
- PSG: 5/1
- Chelsea: 13/2
- Man City: 17/2
- Real Madrid: 17/2
- Bayern Munich: 12/1
Odds supplied by Betfair.
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