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Liverpool are making decisive moves in the summer transfer window, intensifying their pursuit of a breakout World Cup star while competing directly with Arsenal.

Just months after their 2024/25 Premier League triumph, Liverpool appeared at risk of relinquishing their domestic dominance. However, the long-speculated dismissal of Arne Slot and the subsequent appointment of Basque tactician Andoni Iraola have reignited optimism at Anfield — with the club now negotiating for one of world football’s brightest prospects from the recent World Cup.

The Merseyside giants are set to challenge Arsenal for the player’s signature as they seek to phase out the old guard and build a youthful, dynamic squad to spearhead Iraola’s new project.

Liverpool have long benefited from African footballing excellence, recently witnessing the conclusion of Mohamed Salah’s remarkable nine-year spell — a period that cemented his place as one of the Premier League’s all-time greats.

Now, the Reds are reportedly eager to bring in Ivory Coast’s Yan Diomande as a potential successor to Salah this summer. Yet, according to transfer insiders Fabrizio Romano and TEAMTalk journalist Graeme Bailey, Liverpool’s attention has also turned towards the reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions for their next major signing.

Ayyoub Bouaddi, who featured in FourFourTwo’s well-known ‘The Boy’s A Bit Special’ series, has emerged as a prime target for both Liverpool and Arsenal.

At just 18 years old, Bouaddi’s reputation has surged after his commanding performances against Brazil, proving that his nation’s journey to the semi-finals of the 2022 Qatar World Cup was no coincidence. His World Cup exploits have established him as one of the most promising young midfielders in global football.

FourFourTwo journalist Joe Donnohue anticipated Bouaddi’s rise, writing: “Among the up-and-coming No.6 and No.8 players across world football, very few are as polished on the pitch as Bouaddi.”

He added, “There are not many who seem as ready to make the leap to a higher level… he’s stronger on the ball than most central midfielders, let alone those his age.”

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that both Arsenal and Liverpool have already met with Bouaddi’s agent to discuss a potential move. The Moroccan international, currently playing for Lille, is expected to weigh his options carefully following the 2026 World Cup, as he continues to demonstrate immense promise on the world stage.

As Donnohue noted, “A useful measure for young players is not just how much they get right, but how little they get wrong.” Liverpool remain firmly in contention to secure a player whose maturity and technical ability far exceed his tender years.