Arsenal are stepping up their efforts to win the race for one of Europe’s most highly rated teenage midfielders. Manchester United are also eyeing the same player.
Last season, the Gunners were fantastic in the transfer market under Andrea Berta. That is why they are looking to replicate that in January and back Mikel Arteta.
Under Arteta, Arsenal have become a formidable unit. They are leading the Premier League table and are one of the best teams in Europe currently.
In the last few years, Arsenal lost the title race because of the squad depth.
However, they are adamant to back Arteta so that the Gunners can finally regain the Premier League title after two decades.
Manchester United are also looking to sign a midfielder. They wanted to sign Carlos Baleba this summer. But Brighton and Hove Albion were not ready to sell the Cameroonian.
Also, with the recent injury to Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes, it has become increasingly important for the Red Devils to sign a midfielder in January.
Now, according to The Mirror, both Premier League giants have intensified their attention on Ayyoub Bouaddi.
The Lille youngster has quietly become one of the standout emerging talents in France. He has earned regular starts in both Ligue 1 and the Europa League despite being just 18 years old.
Arsenal see him as an ideal fit for their long-term project under Mikel Arteta. However, Arsenal are far from alone. Manchester United have also been monitoring Bouaddi.
Also, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City are showing interest, along with Liverpool.
But the Gunners have acted fast and contacted his representatives to discuss a possible move, as per recent reports.
Andrea Berta wants to be quick because he doesn’t want to get into a bidding war because of the rising interest in the midfielder.
🚨 Arsenal have made contact with Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi’s representatives over a £39M move.
He’s just signed a new deal and Arsenal wanted to know if a move away was completely off the cards.
Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool also interested in the… pic.twitter.com/jZ9nOFi4qF
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) December 21, 2025
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