Liverpool will attempt to beat Arsenal in the race to sign 18-year-old Moroccan international Ayyoub Bouaddi from LOSC Lille this summer.

According to an update by Indy Kaila, Ayyoub Bouaddi is the subject of interest from Liverpool. The Reds are keen on reinforcing their first-team squad by signing a versatile midfielder in the upcoming transfer window, and they are in talks to sign the 18-year-old LOSC Lille midfielder. The report has suggested that the Merseyside club may even explore a part-exchange deal involving Harvey Elliott.

Meanwhile, a report by the Daily Mirror has revealed that Bouaddi is a target for Arsenal during the off-season. The update has revealed that the North London club’s sporting director Andrea Berta has “already made inroads with Bouaddi’s representatives” for a deal in the coming weeks.

The rise and rise of Ayyoub Bouaddi

Ayyoub Bouaddi is the latest wonderkid from his homeland to rise in prominence. The teenage prospect has spent his formative years thus far in France while already breaking into the first-team squad at LOSC Lille. The 18-year-old has taken no time to become a regular for Les Dogues, with his exploits earning him many plaudits already.

Bouaddi has made nearly 100 appearances thus far for Lille, chipping in with four assists. Meanwhile, Bouaddi has picked Morocco as his national side, and he is representing the Atlas Lions in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His progress has piqued the attention of several high-profile clubs, with Arsenal among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.

Where will Bouaddi move next?

Arsenal will likely pursue a midfield reinforcement ahead of the 2026/27 season despite signing multiple midfielders last summer. However, Christian Norgaard is only a short-term solution due to his advancing age, and recent reports have claimed that the North London club may sell the Dane soon. Meanwhile, Mikel Merino will turn 30 this year.