Arsenal have been monitoring Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi since 2025, and his stunning World Cup display against Brazil has intensified that interest significantly.

The 18-year-old caught the eye during Morocco’s Group C opener at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, pulling the strings in central midfield with remarkable authority and composure.

While Brazil’s Casemiro struggled visibly in the simmering New Jersey heat, Bouaddi seized the moment to announce himself on the grandest stage in world football.

Bouaddi had previously been captaining France’s Under-21 side but made the decision to commit his international future to Morocco before the tournament, a choice that is already looking inspired.

France, desperately short of quality in central midfield, will surely be asking serious questions about how a talent of his calibre slipped through their fingers so decisively.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has already held conversations with Bouaddi’s representatives, with those discussions understood to have begun as early as the start of the year.

Berta had identified the Lille starlet as a world-class prodigy well before his World Cup heroics, giving Arsenal a potential head start over rival clubs now circling with serious intent.

PSG are also said to be courting the ball-playing technician, meaning Arsenal may need to move quickly to maintain any advantage they have built through their early groundwork.

West Ham’s £80 million asking price for Mateus Fernandes has been considered excessive, while Newcastle would also drive a hard bargain for Sandro Tonali, another name of interest to the Gunners.

In that context, Bouaddi represents a potentially more straightforward avenue, offering long-term upside and the opportunity to develop alongside established stars like Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi.

His performance against Brazil was not a one-man show built on chaos; Morocco’s adventurous, attack-minded style was underpinned by Bouaddi’s ability to hold his position and provide defensive security.

Partner Neil El Aynaoui was not at his best during the contest, but Bouaddi more than compensated, helping Morocco navigate a difficult second half as Brazil pushed for a winner.

Lille were already said to be demanding up to £60 million for their prized asset before the World Cup had even kicked off, a figure that now looks likely to rise sharply.

The Gunners, who are actively targeting a midfielder capable of operating as both a No.8 and No.6, view Bouaddi as fitting that profile almost perfectly given his technical and tactical qualities.

Much like Morgan Rogers, Bouaddi is rapidly developing into a must-have target for Arsenal as the club continues its pursuit of building a genuine dynasty at the top of English football.

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