Olivier Giroud has told former club Arsenal all they need to hear about Ayyoub Bouaddi, the Morocco youngster who has already demonstrated his capabilities with a striking World Cup debut. The former Gunners star had a strong understanding of Bouaddi's abilities long before this week, having been a teammate at Lille since 2025.
Giroud's Praise for Bouaddi
Giroud, who netted 105 goals for Arsenal before departing in 2018, is consistently wowed by the teenager. In a 2025 interview with Media Carre, he said: "There's a 21-year age gap between Ayyoub and me, he's a great guy on and off the pitch. Wow, he blew me away. He's the one who amazes me the most on a daily basis, even if there are other good young players."
"The maturity he has, the thinking... me, at 17, I was in the U19 national league. I was light years away from that. I call him my little one but he is already a big boy, very mature, with extraordinary values. I really wish him a great career because he is a beautiful person in addition to being a top player."
Transfer Talks Underway
The Times reported this week that Arsenal have opened discussions to sign Bouaddi, who is contracted at the Decathlon Arena until 2029. The 18-year-old excelled in a youthful Morocco midfield as they went ahead in their World Cup 2026 opener against Brazil before having to accept a draw.
Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea are understood to be among a raft of other clubs interested. Following his standout display against Brazil, Bouaddi was asked by The Athletic about a potential Premier League move this summer. He responded: "For the moment, I am only focused on the World Cup and I cannot answer to this right now. Of course, I'm really happy to know that some clubs are interested in me. But, for now, I'm only focused on the World Cup with Morocco and we will try to give everything to do our best."
Bouaddi's International Career
Bouaddi represented France, where he was born, through to under-21 level before declaring for Morocco earlier this year. He has become a prominent part of a gifted squad under manager Mohamed Ouahbi.
The 2022 semi-finalists will continue their World Cup journey on Friday when they face Scotland in Foxborough, before rounding off their group-stage fixtures against Haiti on June 24. Should Bouaddi and his teammates finish top of their group, they would face the runner-up from Group F in the round of 32.
