Manchester City target Morocco teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi at World Cup
Manchester City and Arsenal are monitoring 18-year-old Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi after a series of standout performances for Morocco at the World Cup.
The teenager has attracted attention from Europe’s elite following an exceptional tournament opener against Brazil.
He comprehensively overshadowed an established Premier League midfield duo of Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes during that fixture.
Premier League giants circle
The 6ft 1in playmaker is now firmly on the radar of reigning English champions Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola’s side have already agreed a club-record £116m deal for Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, but could still bolster their squad further.
Arsenal, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris St-Germain are also keeping close tabs on the highly-rated prospect.
Anyone who has watched him at Lille knows his level. He is regarded as a top prospect.
Hassan Kachloul, former Morocco international
Against players like Casemiro, Lucas Paqueta and Bruno Guimaraes, he showed not just quality but personality – a kind of positive arrogance. He had confidence, a great aura and a strong presence on the pitch.
Hassan Kachloul
Rapid rise to the global stage
Born just north of Paris in Senlis, the combative midfielder made his senior debut for the French club aged just 16 years and three days.
He has already amassed 96 senior appearances across domestic and European competitions, underlining his remarkable maturity.
The former French youth international only committed his senior allegiance to the Atlas Lions in May.
It is natural that a player that is having such a good World Cup is being linked with big clubs. However, that makes it a delicate period in his development because he needs to keep his feet on the ground.
Amine el Amri, Moroccan football journalist
Knockout stages beckon
The youngster has featured in three matches so far, proving instrumental in guiding his nation to the last 16.
The north African side will now face Canada on Saturday as they look to replicate their historic run to the 2022 semi-finals in Qatar.
It remains to be seen whether a formal bid will materialise, but his current employers may be forced to sell to the highest bidder if he desires a move.