Arsenal step up efforts to sign Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi

Arsenal are stepping up their efforts to sign Lille OSC midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi (18), according to a report from Sacha Tavolieri.

Arsenal have a long-standing interest in Bouaddi, who, despite playing for France at youth level, recently committed to the Morocco national team and is set to compete with the Atlas Lions in the FIFA World Cup. However, the Gunners are now stepping up their efforts and are in frequent contact with the midfielder’s entourage in order to steal a march on the competition, which notably comes in the form of Paris Saint-Germain.

The Premier League champions have indicated to the player’s entourage that he would immediately have an important role in the side. In recent talks between the parties, it was indicated that, on Bouaddi’s part, there was an interest in making the move to the Emirates Stadium. Further talks are planned for after the World Cup.

Lille’s asking price is set at €70m. Arsenal have a strong relationship with LOSC’s president, Olivier Létang, whilst the French club may prefer to sell to the English club, rather than a domestic rival.