CM: Milan to challenge Juventus for Lille star ‘launched by Fonseca’ | OneFootball

In recent years, AC Milan have had a heavy interest in the French market, and it seems this relationship will extend.

Youssouf Fofana was only the latest addition to the Milan squad from France, and several of the most important Rossoneri players made the short move. Mike Maignan, Rafael Leao, Fofana, and of course, Paulo Fonseca.

Among those, there is a key theme. Moving from Lille to the Diavolo – with the exception of the Monegasque midfielder – and this trend may continue in the near future. This morning, Calciomercato.com suggested that Milan are infatuated with Ayyoub Bouaddi – the rising talent from Lille.

The 17-year-old is central to the Lille project and he is already being compared to Adrien Rabiot due to his stature, combined with ‘first-class technique’, and the report even labels him as ‘one of the best prospects in the world’. Geoffrey Moncada has already been following the youngster for a while, and Giorgio Furlani’s relations with the club are fantastic.

A move away from France could cost around €18 million – which is, admittedly, expected to rise with impressive performances both domestically and in Europe – but the Rossoneri will not be uncontested.

Juventus also have an interest in the young talent, and Motta watched him closely during their game against Lille this week, Cristiano Giuntoli was heavily impressed as well.

Given Fonseca ‘launched him’ just a year ago, the Portuguese is advocating for his purchase.