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Ayyoub Bouaddi transfer update after Arsenal 'talks' with Man City target

· Connor O'Neill; Mark Wakefield · 2026-08-16T04:16:39+00:00 · nguồn gốc

Ayyoub Bouaddi transfer update after Arsenal 'talks' with Man City target Lille star Ayyoub Bouaddi has been linked with both Arsenal and Manchester City this summer Arsenal have been sent a clear message about the future of Lille star Ayyoub Bouaddi by the French club's manager, Davide Ancelotti. The Gunners have been credited as a potential destination for Bouaddi this summer as they continue to look to strengthen their midfield options. Bruno Guimaraes has already been signed by Arsenal this summer, with the Brazilian one of three new additions to Mikel Arteta’s squad, alongside Illan Meslier and Christos Tzolis. Bouaddi impressed with Morocco at the World Cup this summer, which has seen the 18-year-old linked with a big-money transfer before the window closes on September 1. Arsenal have been joined by Manchester City in being linked with a move for Bouaddi, who is reported to be valued at around €100million (£85.6million). Bouaddi featured for Lille as a substitute in a 1-1 draw with Everton in a pre-season friendly on Saturday, where he completed the second 45 minutes. Ancelotti - son of football legend Carlo - acknowledged the widespread interest in Bouaddi, but was clear with his desire to hold onto the Ligue 1 star. "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 after Lille's draw with Everton on Saturday. "Next week we start the season, and I consider him as an available player for me. "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! "What makes him so special? He has a huge personality. FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page "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." What lies ahead for Bouaddi remains uncertain, though recent speculation points towards a potential switch to Man City being the most probable destination, with the teenage sensation earmarked as a potential successor to Rodri. Lille chairman Oliver Letang dropped a hint earlier this month regarding the asking price the club would set for Bouaddi come the summer. "When I see [Elliot] Anderson move to Manchester City for £116m and [Sandro] Tonali to Tottenham for £100m, 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." Official premium experiences at the Emirates are available now for the 26/27 Premier League season. Make it easier than ever to turn a regular fixture into something genuinely unforgettable.