Arsenal have made an approach to sign Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, according to reports.
The 18-year-old is one of the most highly rated young players in Ligue 1 and has been tipped to make an impact for Morocco at the World Cup this summer.
In their opening game against Brazil which ended in a 1-1 draw on Saturday, Bouaddi was one of Morocco’s standout performers in central midfield.
According to Sky Sports’ Sacha Tavolieri, Arsenal have been actively working on a deal to sign Bouaddi for several months and the Premier League champions have maintained regular contact with the midfielder’s entourage since January last year.
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The report adds that Arsenal have made it clear to Bouaddi and his representatives that he would be considered an important part of Mikel Arteta’s squad straight away.
Arsenal’s message is said to have ‘resonated’ with Bouaddi, and the Morocco international has expressed his interest in the prospect of a move to Arsenal.
However, Arsenal face strong competition as Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in a deal to sign Bouaddi this summer.
Further talks between Arsenal and Bouaddi are already scheduled for after the World Cup, while Lille are demanding a €70 million (£60.4m) transfer fee for the midfielder.
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