Lewis Steele confirms Liverpool are keen on ‘talented’ midfielder but face major Arsenal battle | OneFootball

Liverpool and Arsenal Track Ayyoub Bouaddi Amid World Cup Rise

Liverpool’s transfer window may be quiet, but on Media Matters for Anfield Index, Dave Davis and Lewis Steele made one thing clear, Ayyoub Bouaddi is now a name worth watching.

Davis introduced the 18-year-old Lille midfielder after his display in Morocco’s 1-1 draw with Brazil, saying Bouaddi had been “brilliant against Brazil” and noting reports that “Liverpool and Arsenal have had some meetings with Bouaddi’s agents between January and a few weeks ago.”

Bouaddi Interest Feels Real

Steele was careful, but firm. “I think there’s more in this one than the other two Ligue 1 midfielders that were linked,” he told Davis.

That matters. Liverpool are being linked with several midfield options, yet Steele suggested Bouaddi is more than background noise. He added: “What I’ve had back is that they’d want about 70 million euros, which is about 60 in pounds.”

That is a serious fee for an 18-year-old, but Steele pointed out that “Liverpool have been prepared to do it before.” In other words, age alone will not frighten them off if the talent, profile and long-term value line up.

Arsenal May Hold Advantage

The complication is Arsenal. Steele said: “People seem to think Arsenal may be slightly ahead of Liverpool in the race at the moment, but obviously that could change very quickly.”

That line captures the market perfectly. Liverpool are keen, Arsenal are involved, and Bouaddi’s World Cup has sharpened the focus. Davis also referenced reports of a likely “60 to 70 million euros” deal and Bouaddi’s own line: “I’m really happy to know that some clubs are interested in me, but for now I’m only focused on the World Cup.”

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool Must Decide Whether To Move

Steele’s most important point was simple: “I think you can definitively say that Liverpool are keen on him.”

He also warned against expecting instant movement, saying: “I can’t see any big progress on this in the next seven days.” For now, Bouaddi is focused on Morocco, Lille know his value is rising, and Arsenal are not waiting politely in the background.

Still, Steele’s verdict was punchy: “He looks really talented” and “it’s definitely one to keep your eyes on.”

For Liverpool, this is the kind of deal that would speak to the future, bold, expensive and high ceiling. For Arsenal, it may be another chance to add elite young midfield quality. For Bouaddi, the World Cup may have turned interest into a proper race.