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Arsenal and Liverpool Track Ayyoub Bouaddi as Lille Set Firm Stance on Future

Arsenal have moved early to establish contact over Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, positioning themselves at the front of an increasingly competitive race that also includes Liverpool. The 18-year-old has emerged as one of Ligue 1’s most highly rated young talents, prompting close monitoring from across the Premier League and beyond.

Initial discussions have been exploratory rather than advanced, but Arsenal’s intent is clear. They are assessing whether a deal can be accelerated ahead of rivals, despite Lille’s determination to retain control over the player’s future following a recent contract extension.

Arsenal strategy focuses on early engagement

Arsenal’s recruitment team have made Bouaddi a priority target within their long-term midfield planning according to The Mirror. Contact has already been made with the player’s representatives, with an emphasis on understanding both his ambitions and the conditions under which Lille might be prepared to negotiate.

While no formal bid has yet been submitted, there is awareness that waiting until the summer could significantly increase competition. Arsenal believe early engagement could prove decisive, particularly as they continue to invest heavily in young, high-ceiling profiles capable of developing within a structured first-team environment.

The club’s approach reflects a broader shift towards proactive talent acquisition, ensuring targets are identified and engaged well before the market becomes congested.

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Liverpool monitoring Bouaddi development closely

Liverpool remain firmly in the picture and are understood to be tracking Bouaddi’s progress through detailed performance analysis rather than immediate negotiations. The club’s recruitment model favours patience, especially with teenage prospects, but Bouaddi’s maturity and consistency have not gone unnoticed.

Sources suggest Liverpool view him as a potential long-term midfield option rather than a short-term solution. That stance could yet evolve depending on market conditions, but any move would be contingent on Lille showing flexibility on valuation.

At present, Liverpool are content to observe, confident that their project and development pathway remain compelling should Bouaddi become available.

Lille contract position strengthens negotiating power

Lille have significantly strengthened their position by extending Bouaddi’s contract until 2029. The move was designed to remove immediate pressure and ensure any potential transfer reflects both the player’s trajectory and market demand.

Club officials have privately indicated that any offer would need to exceed €50 million to prompt serious consideration. That valuation reflects Bouaddi’s status as a France Under-21 international, his tactical intelligence, and his growing influence at senior level despite his age.

Lille are under no financial imperative to sell and are prepared to resist January interest, preferring to revisit discussions at a later stage if circumstances change.

January window unlikely but pressure building

Although a summer move has long been viewed as the most realistic outcome, Arsenal’s early manoeuvring has added intrigue ahead of the January window. Any winter transfer would require exceptional terms, both financially and strategically.

Bouaddi himself has publicly stressed his focus remains on the current season, reinforcing Lille’s position while leaving the door open to future decisions. That clarity has not discouraged interest but has slowed momentum.

With Arsenal and Liverpool both alert, the situation is likely to develop incrementally rather than dramatically. However, groundwork being laid now could shape one of the most closely watched midfield moves of the next transfer cycle.