Liverpool hold firm interest in £69m Bouaddi as Arsenal, City and Real Madrid circle

Liverpool have a “firm” interest in signing Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, the £69m-rated teenager who has caught the eye for Morocco at this summer’s World Cup, according to a report from the Daily Mail. The Reds join Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid in monitoring the 18-year-old, who is widely considered one of the most promising young midfielders in world football.

Bouaddi’s performances in Morocco’s World Cup campaign have accelerated speculation about his future. He was particularly impressive in their draw with Brazil and the victory over Scotland, showcasing a composure and technical quality that has drawn admiring glances from clubs across Europe.

Arsenal are understood to have gone furthest in their pursuit, with talks already held about submitting a formal bid. Liverpool, however, are no strangers to outmanoeuvring Premier League rivals in the transfer market this summer, having already wrapped up a deal for Victor Munoz ahead of Newcastle.

Despite the intense competition, a report from The Athletic suggests Lille are determined to keep hold of Bouaddi and are not actively seeking to sell. The French club value him at around €80 million (£69m), a figure that reflects both his talent and the leverage they hold while he remains under contract.

One factor that could work in Liverpool’s favour is Bouaddi’s reported preference for a club where he would be guaranteed regular starts in central midfield. That assurance may be harder for some rivals to offer: Arsenal already have Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard and Martin Zubimendi as established options in the positions Bouaddi would occupy, while Manchester City are reportedly close to completing a separate midfield signing in Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.

Liverpool’s interest is described as firm rather than advanced, and Lille’s reluctance to sell means any deal would require a significant bid and considerable persuasion. With multiple elite clubs in the running and the selling club holding firm, the race for Bouaddi’s signature is set to be one of the defining transfer battles of the summer window.