Lille manager Davide Ancelotti has insisted he hopes Ayyoub Bouaddi remains at the club, despite reported interest from Manchester City. The Morocco international has been linked with a move to the Premier League side throughout the summer as they look to strengthen their midfield.
Ancelotti's stance on Bouaddi
Speaking after Lille's pre-season friendly against Everton on Saturday, Ancelotti acknowledged the speculation surrounding the 18-year-old but stressed his desire to keep him. Bouaddi played the second half of the match at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
"Bouaddi is a very good player. He is available [in terms of his fitness], and he played 45 minutes. But that is only because I have to manage his minutes," Ancelotti said. "Next week we start the season, and I consider him as an available player for me."
Interest from multiple clubs
Ancelotti, the son of footballing legend Carlo, acknowledged that Bouaddi is attracting attention from numerous clubs. "Of course, there are negotiations. There is interest from so many clubs. He is a really, really good player, and I hope that he is going to stay with us!"
Reports have suggested City will face competition from Arsenal for the midfielder, who is valued by Lille at around €100million (£85.6million).
Bouaddi's qualities praised
Ancelotti was full of praise for the youngster's attributes. "What makes him so special? He has a huge personality. He is incredibly intelligent on and off the pitch, he is really mature. He is 18-years-old, but he looks like he is 32 when he is on the pitch."
"Technically, he is really complete. He is also physical, really strong in duels. He's going to be one of the best midfielders in Europe for the next 10 years."
Potential Rodri successor
Bouaddi is seen as a potential successor to Rodri at City, with speculation continuing over the Spain international's future at the Etihad Stadium. City have already signed Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest this summer, while reports of a move for Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez have not materialised, with the deadline for bids reportedly passing.
Lille chairman Oliver Letang has hinted at the fee required to prise Bouaddi away. "When I see [Elliot] Anderson move to Manchester City for £116million and [Sandro] Tonali to Tottenham for £100million, and they don’t have the potential for development that Ayyoub has because he possesses unique qualities," he said. "I have a price in mind, and we’ll see what happens."
