Arsenal have emerged as the early pacesetters in the pursuit of Lille’s highly rated midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, positioning themselves at the head of an increasingly competitive queue for one of French football’s most coveted young talents.
While interest is widespread across Europe, the Gunners are understood to have made the most decisive opening moves as they explore the feasibility of a deal.
According to reports in France, Arsenal’s recruitment team have already carried out preliminary work on a potential transfer, signalling intent even if a formal bid has yet to be submitted.
With the January window ticking down, a move this month remains uncertain, and there is a growing sense that Arsenal may opt to lay groundwork now with a view to a summer push, when negotiations could be more structured.
Bouaddi’s rapid rise has not gone unnoticed. Still in the early stages of his professional career, the Lille midfielder has impressed with his composure, tactical intelligence and ability to influence games well beyond his years.
Those attributes have attracted heavyweight attention, with Manchester United and Real Madrid both monitoring his situation closely, ensuring Arsenal face no shortage of elite competition.
Lille, for their part, are under no immediate pressure to sell. The Ligue 1 club moved swiftly in early December to secure Bouaddi’s long-term future, tying him down to a contract that runs until the summer of 2029.
That extension has significantly strengthened their negotiating position, with the French side reportedly placing a valuation of around €60 million on the midfielder.
For Arsenal, the interest aligns with a broader strategy of targeting high-upside young players capable of developing into long-term pillars of the squad.
Bouaddi’s profile fits that vision neatly, offering both technical quality and the potential for further growth within a structured environment.
Whether Arsenal decide to test Lille’s resolve before the window closes or bide their time until the off-season remains to be seen.
