Arsenal handed major new Ayyoub Bouaddi transfer boost as fans demand signing | OneFootball

Gunners supporters desperate to land Lille’s teenage sensation after remarkable World Cup debut for Morocco against Brazil

Arsenal fans have urged the club to go “all out” to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi this summer after his spectacular World Cup debut.

The 18-year-old Lille sensation defied his total lack of experience on football’s biggest global stage to deliver an extremely accomplished performance as Morocco drew 1-1 with Brazil in Saturday’s Group C curtain-raiser in New Jersey.

Bouaddi was not at all fazed by making his World Cup bow against the record five-time winners at a sold-out MetLife Stadium, which will also host the final on July 19, as he bossed the midfield despite being up against star Selecao players such as Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes, who were both substituted by head coach Carlo Ancelotti - the former at half-time.

Bouaddi, by contrast, played the full 90 minutes alongside Roma’s Neil El Aynaoui, wowing spectators with his all-action showing, particularly in the first half as Morocco dominated Brazil.

Statement performance: Ayyoub Bouaddi dominated for Morocco against Brazil’s star-studded midfield

The belatedly-crowned Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions - who became the first African team ever to reach the World Cup semi-finals in Qatar four years ago - monopolised possession and chances early on, having 12 shots in the first 30 minutes alone.

Bouaddi's terrific display was one of the major talking points from the game, with Arsenal supporters imploring the reigning Premier League champions to bring him to the Emirates Stadium - and fast.

Charles wrote: “I haven’t spoken on him much, but the hype surrounding him isn’t by accident. Bouaddi possesses a rare blend of athleticism and technical quality—long strides, endless engine, press resistance, agility and composure. A must-sign for any ambitious club.”

A number of other Arsenal fans simply wrote, “Bring him to the Carpet” - the nickname for the club’s pristine playing surface at the Emirates.

Comr. Jaye tweeted: “I only watched this lad for 20mins, and I could tell he's the next superstar in the making. Plays more like Busquets. Arsenal shouldn't sleep on Ayyoub Bouaddi, easily worth every penny Lille is demanding for [him]. Bring him to the carpet now, please.”

Arsenal and Liverpool are both believed to be interested in signing Bouaddi, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that contact has taken place between both clubs and the agent of a player who is a long-time transfer target for reigning French and European champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Julien Laurens says that Lille will demand between €60million and €70m (£60.4m) for Bouaddi, who only signed a new four-year contract at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in December.

Reports from Sky Sport in Switzerland claim that Arsenal have been pursuing the signing of Bouaddi for several months and that the teenager - who had a preference for PSG - is now open to the move after being assured that he would immediately play a key role under Mikel Arteta.

He made his first-team debut in October 2023 and has since gone on to make 96 total senior appearances for Lille, including 42 across all competitions this season.

Bouaddi represented France from Under-16 to U21 level, before having his switch of international allegiance to Morocco approved by FIFA ahead of the World Cup. The outing against Brazil was only his fourth cap.

Arsenal fans are sure to be watching Bouaddi very closely again when Morocco play Scotland in their next fixture at Boston Stadium on Friday night. They conclude Group C against Haiti in Atlanta on June 24.