Arsenal want Lille defensive midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi | OneFootball

Arsenal are pushing hard to sign Lille defensive midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, according to journalist Fabrice Hawkins.

Manager Mikel Arteta wants to strengthen in the middle of the park, but the Gunners will face competition from Chelsea to bring the Frenchman to the Emirates Stadium.

Lille are not open to a sale in the winter transfer window and are looking to extend Bouaddi’s contract and sell him for more than €50 million next summer.

The 18-year-old has been ever-present for the Ligue 1 club this term, making 18 appearances across all competitions, and Arsenal have been monitoring his situation.

Luring Bouaddi to England could prove tricky as Paris Saint-Germain are also keen on signing him.

He is one of the best in his position in the French top-flight despite his age, and the Gunners are convinced he has what it takes to improve their squad.

However, Bouaddi is unlikely to immediately force his way into Arteta’s starting XI if he joins next summer.

He is a signing for the future, and moving to Arsenal to sit on the bench may not appeal to the teenage sensation.

They could sign him and send him back on loan to Lille for him to continue his development for a few more seasons before bringing him to London.

Arsenal signed William Saliba from Saint-Etienne in 2019, but he spent the next three seasons on loan in France before returning to his parent club.

The France international has since established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the world, and the Gunners could follow the same route with Bouaddi.