Manchester United have been urged to join Arsenal in the race to sign Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi after his impressive World Cup debut. The 18-year-old is one of the most highly rated young players in Ligue 1, with his form earning him a place in Morocco's squad for the World Cup this summer.
Bouaddi 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. The teenager was already attracting interest before the tournament, with reports suggesting Arsenal have maintained regular contact with the midfielder's entourage since January last year.
Bouaddi is said to be keen on a move to the Emirates, although Lille will demand a €70 million (£60.4m) transfer fee to part ways with the talented midfielder. But former Red Devils midfielder Gordon Strachan believes United should also 'take a look' at Bouaddi as they continue their search for another central midfielder.
United have already moved quickly to sign Atalanta's Ederson for Michael Carrick, but reports suggest the club are keen to sign at least one more central midfielder to bolster their options. Mateus Fernandes has been strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford following West Ham's relegation, while the likes of Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton remain long-term targets.
But Strachan believes Bouaddi could also be a 'fantastic' alternative, telling PlayUK: 'I'm seeing players for Morocco and Ecuador who look fantastic. The 18-year-old in midfield for Morocco, Ayyoub Bouaddi. There are a lot of good midfielders out there that Man Utd could look at. There will be a lot of options out there rather than just Adam Wharton or Elliot Anderson. They can both see through-passes, and it's important that you have that quality now.'
Asked about speculation over his future, Bouaddi recently told The Athletic: 'I'm really happy to know that some clubs are interested in me. But for now I'm only focused on the World Cup and we will try to give everything to do our best.'
Meanwhile, Strachan believes that Carrick can have United rivalling Arsenal for the Premier League title next season, provided they continue to add depth over this summer transfer window. 'I'd be surprised if Man Utd are not in the title race next season under Michael Carrick,' the former Scotland international said. 'Coaching is important but we all know that recruitment is huge. They need to sign two midfield players at least, a striker, a wide man, and a centre-half. It's a lot of money. Arsenal will be the favourites. I tipped them to win it last year, they've got a wonderful squad. If Man United aren't in the top three next year, I'd be very surprised. The issue Arsenal might have is that they will want to add and improve but sometimes that sets you back, they might have the formula already.'
