PSG pull out of race for Man City, Arsenal target Bouaddi

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·21 July 2026

PSG pull out of race for Man City, Arsenal target Bouaddi

Paris Saint-Germain have pulled out of the race to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi, according to L’Equipe.

The European champions had shown interest in the Lille midfielder earlier in the year, but have decided against pursuing a deal. Their withdrawal clears the path for a host of rival suitors.

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The reasoning is rooted in squad planning. PSG will not sign any central midfielder this summer, with Luis Enrique keen to establish a clear first-team pathway for the club’s existing young players. He is satisfied with the depth already at his disposal.

PSG pull out of race for Man City, Arsenal target Bouaddi

Bouaddi’s stock has soared regardless. The 18-year-old dazzled at the World Cup for Morocco, starting five matches on their run to the quarter-finals. He became the second-youngest player to start a World Cup quarter-final, behind only Pele.

His rise at Lille has been just as rapid. Bouaddi became the youngest player in Ligue 1 history to reach 50 appearances, surpassing a mark previously held by Eden Hazard. His maturity and composure belie his age.

PSG’s exit leaves a competitive field behind them. Manchester City are pushing hardest, with David Ornstein reporting they want to integrate Bouaddi directly rather than loan him back. Arsenal, Real Madrid and Barcelona are also monitoring the situation.

Lille, though, hold a commanding position. Bouaddi signed a contract extension until June 2029 earlier this year, and the Champions League qualifiers are under no pressure to sell. President Olivier Letang has demanded a fee of around €100m.

His valuation has only climbed since the World Cup. Letang has compared Bouaddi’s worth to this summer’s biggest midfield deals, insisting few clubs can afford a player of his quality.

For Arsenal, the challenge is clear. The Gunners admire Bouaddi but must weigh whether to meet Lille’s demands, having already seen their spending stretched across a busy summer window.