Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain have emerged as the leading contenders to sign Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, according to reports, but the French club are expected to demand a record fee for the teenager.
Lille are determined to secure the highest possible transfer fee for one of Europe’s most highly rated young players and are reportedly seeking more than £60 million for the 18-year-old.
The Ligue 1 club hope to make Bouaddi the most expensive 18-year-old in football history, reflecting their confidence in his long-term potential.
Interest in the midfielder has grown significantly over the past 12 months following a series of impressive performances for club and country.
Bouaddi further strengthened his reputation during Morocco’s 1-1 draw with Brazil at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 14.
The teenager delivered a composed display in midfield, completing 93 percent of his passes, registering 88 touches and winning 11 duels during the Group C encounter.
His performance has attracted attention from several of Europe’s biggest clubs.
While Arsenal and PSG are currently considered the frontrunners, Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Barcelona are also believed to be tracking the youngster’s progress.
With interest continuing to grow, Bouaddi could become one of the most sought-after players in the transfer market this summer.
