Liverpool and Arsenal eye Ayyoub Bouaddi with Lille loan plan

Ayyoub Bouaddi is attracting major Premier League attention, with Liverpool and Arsenal reportedly prepared to let him return to Lille on loan for a year if they land him this summer.

The move would give the teenage midfielder time to keep developing in Ligue 1 before making the step to England.

Bouaddi’s rise has been remarkable. He signed his first professional contract with Lille in August 2023 at just 15 years and 10 months old, tying down his future while giving him a clear path toward senior football.

Not long after, he made history again by debuting in Europe at 16 years and 3 days, becoming the youngest player ever to appear in a European club competition and Lille’s youngest official player. He then made his Ligue 1 debut later that month against Brest and became Lille’s youngest top-flight player since 1981.

This background helps explain why Liverpool and Arsenal are interested in a cautious deal structure. Lille would prefer to keep the 18-year-old for another season too, and a loan-back arrangement could reduce the upfront fee, which has been discussed at close to £100 million. Manchester City are also said to be watching his progress for the longer term.