Arsenal’s summer transfer activity is gathering pace.
The Gunners have been working on a deal for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi since January, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri.
Arsenal have been in regular contact with the player’s representatives and have made it clear he would play an important part in Mikel Arteta’s project right away.
Recent discussions have taken place between all parties, and Bouaddi has indicated he is interested in a move to Arsenal.
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However, PSG are also strongly interested, and the player reportedly has a slight preference for the Parisian club.
But Arsenal are pushing hard and are confident that their strong relationship with Lille president Olivier Letang could help strike a deal.
Given that PSG are a direct rival to Lille, Letang should favour a sale abroad.
Further talks are already scheduled after the World Cup, with Arteta expected to be even more personally involved in the upcoming discussions.
Lille want €70million for Bouaddi, which is a lot, but in a midfield market where Newcastle want £100million for Sandro Tonali, West Ham are demanding £80million for Mateus Fernandes — a race Arsenal look set to lose to Manchester United — he might be the smarter alternative.
Ayyoub Bouaddi could be Arsenal’s smartest signing of the summer
Bouaddi is a quality midfielder, but his versatility is what makes him a particularly compelling option.
The teenager is capable of playing at right-back — a position Arsenal will need to address if Ben White leaves as expected.
The club have sought out Tino Livramento as a potential replacement, but there are concerns over the price tag and his injury history.
Alternatively, Bouaddi could come in and spend his first season in the Premier League playing mostly at right-back while providing cover for Declan Rice in midfield, before gradually taking on a larger central role as he develops.
By effectively killing two birds with one stone, Arsenal could direct the bulk of their budget towards the attacking reinforcements Arteta so clearly needs.
Arsenal have also expressed interest in Roma midfielder Manu Kone who could be available for around £43million, but Bouaddi’s ability to cover at right-back could make him the better option.
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Bouaddi is set to feature for Morocco at the World Cup, with their opening game against Brazil on Saturday night.
Morocco were the underdog story of 2022, and the Africa Cup of Nations holders will back themselves again this summer.
Bouaddi’s performances over the coming weeks could only accelerate this transfer saga — and drive up his price.
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