Arsenal and Chelsea have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi after the 18-year-old signed a new contract with the French club until 2029. The teenager had been linked with a Premier League move, but has committed his future to his boyhood side.
Bouaddi expressed his delight at extending his stay, saying: 'I am very happy and proud to extend my contract with LOSC, my boyhood club. This club has given me so much and contributed so much to my development.' He also thanked the fans for their support, adding that it was 'only right to return the favour by extending my contract here.'
Reports earlier this week suggested Arsenal and Chelsea were preparing bids in the region of £39 million, while Paris Saint-Germain were also monitoring the situation. However, Lille president Olivier Letang was reportedly holding out for a higher fee even before the renewal.
Despite the new deal, it is believed clubs may still test the waters with a summer approach. Lille have a track record of selling young talent for substantial fees, having received over £50 million for Leny Yoro last year.
Bouaddi has already established himself as a regular starter for Lille, missing only one Ligue 1 game this season through suspension. He also impressed in the Champions League last term, notably starring in a 1-0 victory over Real Madrid on his 17th birthday.
France Under-21 boss Gerald Baticle praised Bouaddi's intelligence, stating: 'His intelligence serves him on many levels. He strikes the right tone, maintains the correct distance.' The teenager has earned eight caps for the Under-21 side and scored his first goal at that level earlier this year.
