Ayyoub Bouaddi is open to leaving Lille this summer but would only join Arsenal if he is given assurances over playing time, according to reports. The 18-year-old midfielder is one of the most highly rated young players in Ligue 1 and has impressed for Morocco in their two World Cup games against Brazil and Scotland.
Transfer interest and Arsenal approach
Bouaddi has attracted interest from several clubs this summer, with Arsenal, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid all considering a move. Arsenal have reportedly made an approach to sign Bouaddi, and the midfielder has expressed an interest in joining Mikel Arteta's side.
According to The Athletic, Real Madrid have not made Bouaddi a priority signing, while Lille are looking to keep the midfielder for another season and would demand an €80 million (£68.9 million) transfer fee. The report adds that Bouaddi will not leave Lille for a reduced role at another club and 'would favour joining a team where he can consistently play a key role'.
Giroud's backing and comparison to legends
Olivier Giroud, who played alongside Bouaddi at Lille last season, has backed the 18-year-old to end up at Real Madrid. 'I've been amazed by his maturity and also his entourage is really good,' Giroud said. 'His head is well done in the sense that he is calm, confident, he's staying himself. It's a gift to have him in the team and I think Morocco is very, very pleased to have him. He's shown that from the first game and I think that's just the beginning… 18 years old.'
Giroud compared Bouaddi to Patrick Vieira and Sergio Busquets. 'I was talking with friends and they sent me pictures of Patrick Vieira and Sergio Busquets. They said he was a mix of both. He's not yet as good as Sergio Busquets technically but still, he's got some skills. Patrick Vieira… maybe there's a lack of power to compare with Patrick Vieira, but he will get stronger and bigger.'
Price tag and potential move
Giroud acknowledged the high price tag: 'Over £60-70m, the prices now, I think it's going to be tough to keep him at Lille. But yeah, he's a complete player, he's very versatile, he's all over the place, a bit like N'Golo Kante.' He added that Bouaddi needs to improve his finishing: 'The only thing he should improve and he has to improve and he knows that, because we've been teasing him a lot about that this year, is his finishing, being more aggressive in front of goal. But look, if he's got it then after he will play in Real Madrid next year so give him some time.'
