Bouaddi happy with Arsenal interest but focused on World Cup as Barcelona hijack Kroupi pursuit

Arsenal’s summer transfer business is taking shape on two fronts, with Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi acknowledging the Gunners’ interest while a Barcelona hijack threatens their pursuit of Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi.

Bouaddi: ‘Really happy’ but World Cup comes first

Bouaddi, 18, has confirmed he is aware of the speculation surrounding his future but is refusing to be drawn on a decision until Morocco’s World Cup campaign concludes. Speaking to The Athletic after an eye-catching performance against Brazil, the midfielder said: “For the moment, I am only focused on the World Cup and I cannot answer this right now. Of course, I’m really happy to know that some clubs are interested in me. But, for now, I’m only focused on the World Cup with Morocco and we will try to give everything to do our best.”

Arsenal have been actively pursuing the Lille star since early 2025 and have maintained contact with his entourage throughout, with further talks reportedly scheduled for after the tournament. PSG, who beat Arsenal in the Champions League final this season, are also understood to be interested. Lille have set an asking price of £60m for a player who has already made 96 appearances for the French club despite his age.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta identified a central midfielder as one of his top priorities this summer following the club’s bittersweet end to the 2024-25 season — winning the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years before falling to PSG in the Champions League final.

Barcelona enter Kroupi race

Arsenal’s pursuit of a second target has grown more complicated after Barcelona reportedly made an enquiry for Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi. The 19-year-old Frenchman scored 13 Premier League goals this season, including the strike against Manchester City that effectively handed Arsenal the title.

Arteta has been monitoring Kroupi as he looks to add a creative option in attack, but the emergence of Barcelona as a rival suitor significantly raises the stakes. No fee has been reported at this stage.

With the World Cup adding further volatility to the market — both in terms of player availability and transfer valuations — Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta faces a busy few weeks as the club look to build on their Premier League triumph.