Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi and USA defender Alex Freeman are drawing Premier League attention after standout World Cup performances built on press resistance, progressive passing, and multi-position movement.
Manchester City, Chelsea and a third English suitor have agreed to Lille's dual-tier pricing model, paving the way for an €80m deal that would keep Ayyoub Bouaddi at the French club for one more Champions League season.
Manchester City appear to have moved ahead of Manchester United, Chelsea and other European giants in the pursuit of Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, with Lille's preferred 2027 timeline shaping the market.
ESPN reports that Manchester City have moved into a strong position in the race for rising star Ayyoub Bouaddi after direct contact with Lille; meanwhile, City have agreed a £116 million deal to sign Elliott Anderson, setting off a wider chain reaction in Premier League midfield transfers this summer.
According to multiple transfer reports, Liverpool have renewed contact with the agent of Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. With Arsenal, Real Madrid and other top clubs also pushing for a deal, whether Fenway Sports Group can complete this high-profile signing this summer still depends on the pace of negotiations and the final decision amid fierce competition.
Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira has hailed 18-year-old Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi as Morocco's standout talent, with the Gunners making him their number-one summer transfer target.
Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi has impressed at the World Cup, with Giroud suggesting he could join Real Madrid while Paris Saint-Germain are also stepping up their evaluation of a potential move.
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