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Bouaddi addresses Arsenal interest after Morocco's draw with Brazil

ยทBy Paul Lindisfarne
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Bouaddi addresses Arsenal interest after Morocco's draw with Brazil

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Ayyoub Bouaddi started in midfield for Morocco against Brazil at MetLife Stadium on Saturday, helping the Atlas Lions to a 1-1 draw in their opening Group C match at the 2026 World Cup.

The 18-year-old was one of the standout performers of the night.

He led Morocco for touches and accurate passes, and was credited with a string of recoveries and interceptions as the Atlas Lions matched Brazil for long spells.

According to Goal, Arsenal have approached Lille over a possible deal for the midfielder, with talks already planned for after the tournament.

Speculation over his future was put to Bouaddi after the match, and he admitted he was happy to hear of the interest from clubs.

"For the moment I'm only focused on the World Cup, I cannot answer to this right now," he said.

"I'm really happy to know that some clubs are interested in me but for now I'm here focused on the World Cup with Morocco and we will try to give everything to do our best."

Bouaddi joined Lille's academy in 2021 and made his senior debut for the French club in 2023 against KI Klaksvik in the Conference League.

That appearance came just three days after his 16th birthday, making him the youngest player ever to feature for Lille in a European competition.

He went on to make his Champions League debut against Real Madrid on the day he turned 17.

Bouaddi represented France through the youth ranks and captained the Under-21 side, but switched his international allegiance to Morocco last month.

His senior debut for Morocco came against Brazil, and he wasted no time making an impression.

Lille are reported to be holding out for a fee in the region of โ‚ฌ70 million, roughly ยฃ60 million, for the midfielder.

Arsenal are not alone in their interest. Reports throughout the tournament have linked Bouaddi with Manchester United, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, among others.

For now, Lille retain control of the situation. Bouaddi is under contract until 2027, and the club have previously moved to extend the deals of key prospects rather than sell early.

Morocco's next test comes against Scotland in Foxborough on June 19, followed by a final group game against Haiti in Atlanta.

Whatever happens in the transfer market, Bouaddi has already given notice that Morocco's midfield is in good hands heading into the rest of the tournament.