---
title: "Arsenal join the race to sign £65m World Cup ace"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/arsenal-bouaddi-world-cup-premier-league-transfers-afc/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Rebekka Arnold"
section: "Arsenal Football Club"
published: "2026-06-15T12:54:56Z"
modified: "2026-06-15T12:55:23Z"
---

# Arsenal join the race to sign £65m World Cup ace

The Premier League champions will be active in the summer transfer window as they attempt to retain their dominance across all competitions next season.

Arsenal came close to doing the double when they took Paris Saint-Germain to penalties in the Champions League final after securing their first domestic title in over two decades, and they will want to continue challenging at that level.

Mikel Arteta will be aware that teams competing with them both in the Premier League and on the European stage will be looking for ways to get ahead of them and will strengthen this summer in the transfer market.

Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool will all be heading into their recruitment drives with fresh perspectives in the market, so ensuring recruitment is right in North London is imperative.

## Where are Arsenal looking to strengthen?

It has been [widely reported](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11661/13552983/transfer-news-every-premier-league-clubs-plans-for-summer-window-2026#:~:text=Arsenal%20want%20to%20invest%20again,be%20strengthened%20depending%20on%20outgoings.) that the Gunners are keen to strengthen the left side of their attack and will assess how their current attacking options can adapt to different styles of play.

The centre of the pitch will also be targeted for improvement, with a central midfielder being pursued to add depth and diversity to their already impressive squad.

## Who are Arsenal linked with?

Arsenal have been [continuously linked](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/fc-arsenal/geruechte/verein/11) with a move for Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez.

Given his versatility and tenacity in front of goal, he would be a great option for the Premier League champions to pursue.

Everton’s Illiman Ndiaye is another versatile attacking player they have been linked with in recent days, with plenty of competition for the winger’s signature, as well as PSG’s Bradley Barcola.

In terms of their midfield targets, new reports suggest that the Gunners are targeting a young up-and-coming prospect who has already captured the attention of the world at the World Cup.

According to [transfer journalist Nicolò Schira](https://x.com/NicoSchira/status/2065980155525218794), Arsenal are one of the clubs interested in signing LOSC Lille and Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.

In a post on social media platform X, Schira revealed:

“Arsenal, #PSG and #BayernMunich are interested in #Lille’s midfielder Ayyoub #Bouaddi (born in 2007). #LOSC ask €70-80M \[£65m\] to sell him. #transfers”

## Who is Ayyoub Bouaddi?

The 18-year-old Morocco international has been dubbed one to watch at the [2026 FIFA World Cup](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/fifa-world-cup-2026-guide/) and has already impressed in his opening group game against Brazil over the weekend.

In 2021, Lille took a chance on the talented teenager, who joined the French club’s academy after moving from AFC Crelis to continue his development.

Two years later, he was selected for the Lille B team but, after just three appearances, was promoted to the first team and has been a consistent feature ever since.

Having already amassed [96 appearances for the Ligue 1 side](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/ayyoub-bouaddi/detaillierteleistungsdaten/spieler/1097139), Bouaddi has earned a wealth of experience both domestically and on the European stage, featuring in Lille’s Europa League and Champions League campaigns.

Boasting strengths in [tackling, dribbling and concentration](https://www.whoscored.com/players/504830/show/ayyoub-bouaddi), the teen sensation is a player beyond his years and demonstrated that on the biggest stage in football during the clash with Brazil on Saturday evening.

He finished the opening fixture with [87 touches](https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/bouaddi-ayyoub/1564180) – more than any other Moroccan player – while only the Brazil centre-back duo of Gabriel and Marquinhos saw more of the ball, he also completed 91% of his attempted passes.

Demonstrating confidence and dominance in the centre of the pitch already, there is no doubt that football fans and scouts will be keeping a close eye on the youngster as Morocco progress through the tournament.

## Should Arsenal sign Ayyoub Bouaddi?

Future-proofing the squad at the Emirates will be just as important as winning silverware over the next few years for Arsenal.

Seeking out young players worthy of development and capable of complementing an already impressive midfield unit will maintain balance and competition within the squad and help get the best out of the players at Arteta’s disposal.

Bouaddi’s impressive experience for both club and country will be an attractive proposition for the Gunners and could help them get ahead of their competitors in acquiring some of the best up-and-coming talent in world football, similarly to how PSG have remodelled their squad for sustained success.

Arsenal’s interest in Bouaddi indicates their desire to not only compete for trophies now, but also secure the foundations for future success.

At just 18 years old, the Moroccan midfielder has already accumulated valuable experience at club and international level, while showcasing the composure and confidence required to thrive on football’s biggest stages.

With competition from across Europe expected to intensify, securing his signature would represent both a statement of intent and a smart long-term investment.

If his performances continue to match the hype, Bouaddi could become one of the defining midfield talents of the next generation.