All the talk about Arsenal right now might be around the failure to win the EFL Cup but they appear to be already looking to the summer transfer window too.
Arsenal are expected to add new players in a few positions this summer, with a winger and central midfielder believed to be on Mikel Arteta’s agenda.
Indeed, it seems a midfielder is certainly something to keep an eye on and the Gunners have actively sought to scout their target this weekend.
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Arsenal scouts watch Ayyoub Bouaddi impress for Lille
Ayyoub Bouaddi is one of the most sought-after young midfielders in Europe after impressing for Lille in recent months.
Now, according to TeamTalk, Arsenal are putting their name in the hat to sign him this summer.
It’s reported that Arsenal sent scouts in person to watch Bouaddi this weekend as Lille won 2-1 against Marseille. Indeed, it’s claimed the Gunners scouting department was suitably impressed by Bouaddi, who once again played a key role.
However, there are a number of hurdles Arsenal will need to get over should they want to sign him.
Bouaddi has only recently signed a long-term contract with Lille, thus enhancing his value with the French side and giving them weight in the market.
Furthermore, there is interest from elsewhere, with the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Man United all looking at him as well.
Any move by Arsenal is likely to be met by competition, meaning they will need to act fast to land the promising midfielder.
Ayyoub Bouaddi’s stats for Lille in 2025/26
At just 18, Ayyoub Bouaddi is certainly one of the premier young talents in Europe at the moment.
He’s already a regular for Lille after breaking into the team at just 16 and has clocked up an impressive 36 appearances in all competitions this season.
In terms of attacking output, Bouaddi only has the single assist to his name and is yet to open his account for the Ligue 1 side.
However, the fact he is a regular at just 18 shows the quality he has, as well as there being a scrap at international level to get his commitment to play.
Arsenal have a mixed bag in terms of dealing with Lille in the past. The standout signing from them has been Gabriel Magalhaes.
However, they also paid £72m for Nicolas Pepe, while former forward Gervinho was never the success Arsenal hoped either.
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