Arsenal have reportedly scouted LOSC Lille midfield sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi amidst interest from rivals Chelsea and Liverpool.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Arsenal seem keen on acquiring the services of Ayyoub Bouaddi ahead of next season. The Gunners have already stepped up their pursuit, as they continue to do extensive groundwork on the French youth international.

The North London club’s scouts were present in the stands to watch the teenage midfielder in action in Lille’s 2-1 win over Marseille. While the Gunners have a long-standing interest in him, signing him won’t be that easy, as they will face stiff competition from Chelsea and Liverpool.

Ayyoub Bouaddi joined the Lille youth setup in 2021. He went up the ranks at some pace and got promoted to the first team in 2023. The Frenchman grabbed the headlines when he made his Europa Conference League debut just days after turning 16. He became the youngest to feature in a European competition at the time.

The 18-year-old French midfielder has only gone from strength to strength since. The teenage prospect has already made 90 appearances for the Ligue 1 club, and he has even contributed towards four goals. Bouaddi prefers playing as a central midfielder; he can also chip in a defensive role as well as a right-back when needed.

Arsenal step up efforts to sign Bouaddi

While Ayyoub Bouaddi’s contract runs until 2029, his impressive rise has placed him on the wishlist of the biggest clubs, and there could be a bidding war for him this summer. He has been on Arsenal’s radar since before his senior debut. They now seem ready to try to prise the young midfielder away.

Mikel Arteta wants to strengthen his midfield rotation further, and Bouaddi could be a great acquisition for both the short and long run. Arsenal’s scouts had a good look at him on Sunday, and they have already intensified their efforts to bring him to the Emirates.

The Gunners to face stiff competition for Ayyoub Bouaddi

Arsenal are not the only club that are keen on signing Bouaddi, as scouts from Chelsea and Liverpool have also been keeping tabs on the teenager. He is a perfect fit for the Blues’ project that revolves around snapping up the best young players. With Romeo Lavia struggling to stay fit, Bouaddi could be a great replacement. At Liverpool, he would help strengthen their midfield rotation and provide more competition to someone like Ryan Gravenberch.