Arsenal have begun talks to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi but they are not the bookies’ favourites to sign the Morocco World Cup sensation.
The teenager enhanced his burgeoning reputation with a commanding performance at the heart of his nation’s midfield as the 2022 semi finalists began their campaign with an encouraging 1-1 draw against Brazil.
After sealing their first Premier League title in 22 years, Mikel Arteta and Josh Kroenke has stressed the importance on bolstering the squad from a position of strenght.
Arteta has designs on strengthening in both midfield and attack after watching his side’s rearguard effort narrowly failing to culminate in what would have been a maiden Champions League triumph.
Defeat on penalties against Paris Saint-Germain has crystalised the need to invest heavily again and the Gunners have already began the process of recruiting Bouaddi who is valued at around the £60million by Lille.
Speaking about his future, however, after his eye-catching display in the Group C opener, the 18-year-old revealed he was in no rush to make a decision.
‘I’m really happy to know that some clubs are interested in me,” he told The Athletic.
Ayyoub Bouaddi next club odds
Liverpool 15/8
Arsenal 5/2
Man Utd 3/1
PSG 5/1
Chelsea 13/2
Man City 17/2
Real Madrid 17/2
Bayern Munich 12/1
Odds supplied by Betfair
‘“’But for now I’m only focused on the World Cup and we will try to give everything to do our best.’
According to The Times, Arteta will plan to rotate four players in his engine room next season with Declan Rice, Myles Lewis-Skelly, who enjoyed a new lease of life his more natural role over the course of the run-in, and Martin Zubimendi to be supplemented by a new addition.
West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes was on Arsenal’s radar, but the Portugal international appears increasingly likely to join Manchester United with RealMadrid having ruled themselves out of the running.
The Gunners won’t have a free run, however, at a player who helped Lille finish third in Ligue 1 last season.
Chelsea and Manchester United have also been credited with an interest but it is Liverpool who are ranked as the favourites to sign a player who is very much in demand.
Andoni Iraola was appointed as Arne Slot’s successor earlier this month and, like his close friend and compatriot Arteta, midfield is certain to be an area that he focuses on strengthening.
The likes of Alexis Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones powered the Reds to the title during Slot’s first season in charge, but al three struggled for form and fitness last erm.