Arsenal and Liverpool are locked in a fierce transfer battle for LOSC Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, with the Gunners reportedly pushing hardest to get a deal over the line, according to TEAMtalk.

Arsenal at the Front of the Queue

The Emirates club hold a long-standing interest in the Moroccan teenager, having tracked his development closely over recent years. That head-start appears to be paying dividends — Arsenal are currently leading the race and pushing to wrap up a deal before their rivals can respond.

Liverpool, freshly revamped under new boss Andoni Iraola, are also in the picture. The Reds are looking to bolster their midfield following Curtis Jones’ expected departure, and Bouaddi fits the profile perfectly.

Who Is Ayyoub Bouaddi?

The 18-year-old is a commanding 6ft 1in defensive midfielder — quick, physically imposing, tidy in possession, and disciplined defensively. He’s been one of the standout performers at the 2026 World Cup with Morocco, which has only intensified interest from across Europe.

Real Madrid and PSG are also circling, making this one of the summer’s most hotly contested midfield battles.

The Price Tag

Lille are in no rush to sell. With Bouaddi’s contract running until 2029, they’re firmly in the driving seat — and have slapped a hefty £60 million asking price on the youngster.

The player himself is staying focused on his World Cup campaign and won’t make any decision until it concludes.

At £60m, Bouaddi represents serious investment — but the talent justifies the fee. Arsenal’s head-start in this race is a genuine advantage, though with Madrid and PSG lurking, nothing is guaranteed.