Sources: Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City in talks to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi as favourite named
Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal are all in talks to sign Lille and World Cup sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
The Morocco international has emerged as a clear target for a wide array of Europe's top clubs, and many are already in discussions with Lille over a deal.
Man City, Liverpool and Arsenal are all battling to land the 18-year-old midfielder this summer, but sources have indicated that it is currently an "open race" for the starlet's signature with no clear favourite.
Enzo Maresca and Co. are working to see whether they can strike a deal to bring the starlet to the Etihad Stadium ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
The holding midfielder notched one assist in 30 Ligue 1 appearances last term, and has already surpassed 60 games in the French top-flight in his young career.
Bouaddi has dazzled for Morocco at this summer's World Cup, and is expected to start again in their quarter-final clash with France on Thursday.
Lille are ready to sell Ayyoub Bouaddi this summer
Several star midfielders have already moved for seismic money during this summer's transfer window, and Bouaddi could yet add to the list.
Sandro Tonali and Elliot Anderson have both changed clubs for packages at or above the £100million mark, and Bouaddi is seen as another emerging midfield star.
Lille are prepared to sell their starlet ahead of next season, if an offer comes in that truly makes it worthwhile for them.
Given the level of competition for Bouaddi's signature at the moment, it is increasingly likely that the French outfit could be looking at a very lucrative deal for their young talent.
Football Insider revealed last week that Lille will sell Bouaddi if a "big" offer comes in for him this summer, and if he continues to impress at the World Cup, then the chances of that will only increase.
Man City see Japanese deal collapse
Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness told Football Insider that Man City are "best out" of the picture at Yokohama F. Marinos, after they sold their stake in the Japanese outfit last week.
The City Football Group sold their shares on to car manufacturing giants Nissan, and Wyness believes that it was a good time for them to pull out.
The Scottish businessman made it clear that the City Group are doing little more than trimming their portfolio, amid concerns after they also pulled out of Mumbai City FC last year.
Wyness emphasised that he had been to see the setup at the Indian side first hand, and stressed that City were better off using their investment elsewhere.