The World Cup star has attracted the attention of all the big clubs, with Liverpool now planning a further takeover of the £69m-valued player.
Ayyoub Bouadi impressed at this summer’s World Cup (Image: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola could pull off another transfer hijacking as Liverpool have a “firm interest” in Arsenal target £69m Ayyoub Bouadi. The teenage midfielder shone for Morocco at this summer’s World Cup, fueling further speculation over his future in Europe’s hard-hitting circles.
Reports have repeatedly suggested that Bouadi could be on loan this summer, with some tentatively suggesting that Liverpool could be among the suitors for the gifted midfielder.
And now new information has emerged regarding the 18-year-old’s future with Liverpool.
According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool have a “firm” interest in signing Bouadi and the midfielder is highly regarded within the club. However, the Reds will face competition from a number of clubs for the coveted young player.
Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid are all reportedly linked with a move for Bouadi, who is widely regarded as one of the most promising talents in world football.
Liverpool have already signed one of their Premier League rivals this summer, with the Reds finalizing a deal for Victor Munoz, who had attracted interest from Newcastle.
But taking over Bouadi’s contract will be more difficult. Arsenal are thought to have held talks about making a bid for the talented star player, who is valued at £69m.
Bouadi’s performance at the World Cup is sure to spark further debate at some of Europe’s elite clubs, with supporters already captivated by his calmness at such a young age. In particular, the draw with Brazil and the win against Scotland attracted attention.
Arsenal have long been interested in Bouadi and Liverpool will face considerable difficulty if they hope to beat their Premier League rivals in the race to sign the midfielder this summer.
Ayyoub Bouadi has been linked with Liverpool (Image: Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images)
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Separate reports from The Athletic suggest Lille intend to keep Bouadi, but he is thought to be worth around €80 million ($6.9 billion) this summer.
The report suggests that if Bouadi leaves Lille, he is keen to join a club where he is guaranteed a regular starting spot in central midfield.
This could be a welcome boost for Liverpool, given that some of the other clubs reportedly pursuing the teenager may struggle to give him that guarantee.
Arsenal already have Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Martin Zvimendi firmly established in the midfield position where Bouadi usually plays.
Meanwhile, Man City are reportedly on the verge of signing Elliott Anderson from Nottingham Forest, with the move thought to be worth around £116m.
City are expected to spend more than £100m on a midfielder who is expected to be a regular starter, so it is unclear whether Bouadi is still a possibility.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are expected to focus on signing a new forward before looking at other areas of the team, with RB Leipzig’s Yann Diomande firmly in their sights.
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