Manchester City is now ahead of Arsenal in race for Ligue 1 star

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·30 Juli 2026

Manchester City is now ahead of Arsenal in race for Ligue 1 star

Arsenal and Manchester City are competing for the signature of Ayyoub Bouaddi, with the midfielder emerging as one of the most wanted players in Europe this summer.

The Moroccan has shown in recent weeks that he is one of the finest midfielders in the game following his impressive performances at the World Cup. Despite still being a teenager, his displays have attracted significant attention from some of the biggest clubs.

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Arsenal and Manchester City battle for Bouaddi

Lille would love for Bouaddi to remain on their books for one more season, but the interest in his signature has become intense. City are pushing for an immediate transfer as they look to win the race for the highly rated midfielder.

According to Sky Sports, the Manchester side are interested and currently leading Arsenal in the race for his signature after making strong efforts to secure his services. However, Bouaddi has not decided on his future yet, as he is still considering whether leaving Lille is the right move.

The midfielder needs regular game time and will prioritise that when choosing his next club. Neither Arsenal nor City can guarantee him consistent opportunities, which means the decision could depend on where he believes he can continue his development.

Bouaddi’s potential opportunities at Arsenal and Manchester City

Manchester City could lose Rodri in this transfer window, and that could create an opportunity for Bouaddi to receive more game time if he decides to join them. The potential change in midfield options may make the move more attractive for the young player.

Arsenal are also interested in signing Bruno Guimaraes despite already having some of the best midfielders in England. This could make it more difficult for Bouaddi to secure regular appearances if he chooses to join the Gunners this summer.

The battle for Bouaddi’s signature is expected to continue, with both clubs interested in adding a talented midfielder to their squads. The player’s desire for playing opportunities will likely play a major role in deciding his next step.

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