Arsenal Are Keeping Tabs On This Ligue 1 Midfielder: What Will He Bring To North London? | OneFootball

In a recent report, Football.London claimed that Arsenal are keeping tabs on Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. It has been mentioned that the Gunners would have to rival Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea in the race to land French talent next summer.

Bouaddi’s Impressive Rise In Ligue 1

Bouaddi has enjoyed a decent run of form at the French club as he has produced a run of impressive performances for them at the centre of the park. The 18-year-old has failed to score but has picked up one assist in 26 appearances for Lille this season on all fronts.

The 18-year-old is currently among the best young midfielders in Ligue 1. Hence, it is no surprise that Arsenal are among the clubs hoping to land him next summer.

His current contract at the French club will run out in the summer of 2029, which could make it tough for the Gunners to sign him on the cheap at the end of this campaign.

BOLOGNA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 27: Ayyoub Bouaddi of LOSC Lille during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Bologna FC 1909 and LOSC Lille at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on November 27, 2024 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

What Will Bouaddi Bring To Arsenal?

Bouaddi is a solid tackler of the ball and can read the danger well to secure the ball back for his side inside his half. He usually puts his foot through the ball when needed and is a good passer of the ball.

The French whizkid can create some decent chances for his teammates in the final third. Bouaddi is primarily a box-to-box midfielder but can also serve as a defensive midfielder if asked to do so by his manager. However, it remains to be seen whether he can cope with the physical style and high intensity of the Premier League if the Gunners manage to bring him on board next summer.

We can expect Bouaddi to bring more quality to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s midfield department in the long run. He is already good enough to serve as a good, rotational piece in the North London club’s match-day squad.

At 18, Bouaddi has got the potential to be a future star in English football as long as he continues to improve with each season. However, Arteta has to give him some time to settle into life at the North London club before he can unlock the best out of the gifted youngster.