Liam Duckstein
Ayyoub Bouaddi has become one of the most wanted players on the summer market after a series of strong performances at the 2026 World Cup, with Lille making their conditions for a potential sale clear.
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The 18-year-old midfielder put together an excellent 2025-26 campaign, making 42 appearances for the French club, and carried that form directly into the World Cup with Morocco. In his first major international tournament, Bouaddi has cemented himself as an undisputed starter in the Atlas Lions’ midfield, earning a third consecutive starting berth in the last-32 clash against the Netherlands, where he played 79 minutes.
Lille’s Position: Open to a Sale, Preferably Later
Having tied the teenager down to a contract extension until June 2029 last winter, Lille have now signalled their stance. According to GiveMeSport, the club are open to selling Bouaddi this summer but would prefer to retain him for one additional season. A deal could take the form of a permanent transfer paired with a season-long loan back to Lille, mirroring the arrangement Arsenal used with William Saliba in 2019, or a pre-agreement structured along the lines of Liverpool‘s recent deal for Jeremy Jacquet.
Lille are demanding a minimum of £69m (€80m) for the midfielder. That figure could climb beyond £86m (€100m) for any club seeking an immediate permanent transfer this summer.
Eight Major Clubs in the Race
Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are all understood to be monitoring the situation. A competitive transfer battle could develop over the coming weeks.
Arsenal are understood to be particularly keen. The Guardian reports that the Premier League champions are in pole position and preparing to table a first offer, with sporting director Andrea Berta said to have already held conversations with Lille. The Gunners view Bouaddi as a long-term replacement for Christian Norgaard. Arsenal are currently prioritising a move for Newcastle‘s Bruno Guimaraes, and should that pursuit stall, a push for Bouaddi could accelerate once the World Cup concludes.
“For the moment I am only focused on the World Cup. I am really happy to know that some clubs are interested in me, but for now I am here focused on the World Cup with Morocco.” — Ayyoub Bouaddi
Paris Saint-Germain are also monitoring Bouaddi but are currently prioritising a deal for Yan Diomande, who is being held by RB Leipzig. With the Atlas Lions still active in the tournament, Bouaddi’s stock is only likely to rise before any formal negotiations begin. Stay with TipsGG for the latest updates as this transfer situation develops.