Arsenal’s plans to sign Lille sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi have hit a serious roadblock. Manchester City are now pushing hard to land the 18-year-old Morocco international, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic.
It’s a development that could force the Gunners into a difficult decision this summer.
Arsenal’s Year-Long Chase Faces a New Rival
The Premier League champions have tracked Bouaddi for well over a year. Sporting director Andrea Berta has held direct discussions with Lille over the midfielder, with TEAMtalk reporting that the club has “invested significant resources into scouting” the teenager.
Arsenal’s interest isn’t new. According to Sky Sports Switzerland, the Gunners have maintained regular contact with Bouaddi’s camp since January 2025. They’ve watched him dominate Ligue 1 with 96 senior appearances before his 19th birthday. They’ve seen him shine for Morocco at the 2026 World Cup, where he outplayed the likes of Casemiro in a 1-1 draw with Brazil.
But now? City have entered the picture with intent.
Ornstein reports that Enzo Maresca’s side are among the frontrunners. What separates City from other suitors is their willingness to integrate Bouaddi straight into the first team. Other clubs, including Arsenal and Chelsea, were reportedly open to signing him and loaning him back to Lille for another season.
That approach matters. Lille’s preference has always been to keep Bouaddi for one more campaign. But City’s offer of immediate first-team football flips the script.
The Price Tag Problem
Lille’s valuation has climbed sharply. Earlier this summer, the French club were said to want around €70 million. That figure has now ballooned to approximately €100 million, according to Ornstein.
For context, that would make Bouaddi one of the most expensive teenagers in football history. Daily Cannon notes that this inflated price “will likely be prohibitive to many admirers.”
Here’s what we know about the race right now:
- City are pushing hardest and would integrate Bouaddi immediately
- Arsenal have tracked him longest but haven’t submitted a formal bid
- Manchester United have monitored his development closely
- PSG are no longer considered serious contenders
- Chelsea were willing to agree a loan-back deal
- Bouaddi is expected to make a decision soon
The midfielder himself has stayed cool about his future. After Morocco’s opening World Cup match, he told The Athletic: “For the moment I’m only focused on the World Cup, I cannot answer this right now. I’m really happy to know that some clubs are interested in me.”
Where Does This Leave Arsenal?
It’s a tricky spot for the Gunners. Their midfield already boasts Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, and Myles Lewis-Skelly. Ben Jacobs of CaughtOffside pointed out on talkSPORT that Bouaddi might actually struggle for regular minutes at both Arsenal and City.
That playing time question is crucial. The Athletic has reported that Bouaddi would only consider a move where he’s guaranteed regular action. At Lille, he’s an undisputed starter. Can Arsenal or City genuinely promise the same?
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s summer focus has shifted toward more immediate reinforcements. The club is pursuing Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle, with Fabrizio Romano confirming that Arteta wants the Brazilian and personal terms wouldn’t be an issue. Arsenal are also chasing Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers in attack.
So could Bouaddi become a casualty of Arsenal’s priorities? Possibly. If the Gunners commit £80-90 million to Guimaraes, spending another €100 million on a teenager who’d compete for the same position feels like a stretch.
City, on the other hand, don’t have those same constraints. They’ve repeatedly shown a willingness to spend big on young talent, and Bouaddi fits the profile perfectly.
Arsenal fans shouldn’t panic just yet. No deal is done. But City’s aggressive push has turned what felt like a steady pursuit into an uphill battle. If the Gunners want Bouaddi, they’ll need to move fast and decisively.
The clock is ticking, and the 18-year-old is expected to decide soon.
