Arsenal approach Bouaddi as £68.9m Lille star demands guaranteed first-team role

Arsenal’s pursuit of Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi has been in motion since the start of 2025, with sporting director Andrea Berta having already held talks with the 18-year-old’s representatives — though any deal hinges on the Gunners guaranteeing him consistent playing time.

Bouaddi, who has made 96 appearances for Lille and helped the club secure Champions League qualification this season, is currently representing Morocco at the 2026 World Cup, where his performances have drawn attention from several of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Real Madrid. Lille have placed a £68.9m valuation on the teenager, and a transfer cannot be completed until after the tournament concludes.

According to The Athletic, Bouaddi’s priority this summer is finding a club where he will be central to the project rather than a squad rotation option. That condition places pressure on Arsenal to offer concrete assurances before any agreement can be reached. Berta is said to have identified Bouaddi as a world-class talent well before the current window opened.

Manager Mikel Arteta is looking to strengthen in central midfield, left wing, and at striker as the Premier League champions prepare for a significant summer of investment, with spending potentially approaching the £250m record they set last year.

On the outgoing side, Belgian winger Leandro Trossard has attracted a £17m bid from newly promoted Saudi Pro League side Al-Diraiyah, according to Belgian outlet Het Nieuwsblad. The 31-year-old has 12 months remaining on his contract at the Emirates Stadium, and Arsenal are understood to be actively seeking a new left-sided winger — a dynamic that makes Trossard available.

Al-Diraiyah, whose sporting director is Dougie Freedman, are reportedly willing to offer Trossard a salary of close to £9m per year. The Belgium international is also currently at the World Cup, meaning any personal discussions would similarly need to wait until after the tournament.