Liverpool and Arsenal are both ready to make a key concession in their pursuit of Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, according to reports.
The 18-year-old has been one of the breakout stars of World Cup 2026, starting five games as the Atlas Lions reached the quarter-finals, where they lost to France.
Arsenal and Liverpool are among several top European clubs eyeing Lille midfielder Bouaddi, with Manchester City also in the mix, but they may have to compromise if they want to complete a deal that could cost close to £100million.
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Liverpool and Arsenal ‘reluctantly’ agree to Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi demand
Bouaddi made his Morocco debut only last month after switching allegiance to the North African country in May, having represented many of France’s age-group teams up to Under-21 level.
Interest in the teenager has grown during an excellent World Cup but Lille want to keep him for one more season, with any deal this summer potentially involving a loan back to the French club for 2026/27.
Liverpool and Arsenal are huge admirers of Bouaddi and Football Insider reports that both clubs are ‘reluctantly’ prepared to accept that demand.
While the Reds, the Gunners and City are all keen to sign the youngster ahead of the new domestic campaign, they are willing to compromise if it means they can secure his services.
The report adds that Lille will demand close to £100m for a player who has made just seven senior international appearances, so agreeing to the season-long loan would reduce the short-term benefit of such a huge outlay.
However, it would also be a long-term investment for Liverpool and Arsenal - both of whom have already set their sights on the next generation of stars this summer.
The Premier League rivals have both reportedly shown interest in 17-year-old Mexico midfielder Gilberto Mora, while Arsenal were also in the running for Leicester City winger Jeremy Monga, who turns 17 today, although City appear to have hijacked the deal.
Bouaddi is further along in his development than both players, although he would cost considerably more.
The teenager first appeared for Lille three days after he turned 16 and made his Champions League debut on his 17th birthday.
He has long been monitored by some of Europe’s top clubs and the willingness of Liverpool and Arsenal to loan him back to Lille shows the regard in which he is held across the continent.
