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Liverpool and Arsenal have joined the race to sign Morocco’s rising midfield star Ayyoub Bouaddi, with both Premier League giants reportedly ready to make a significant concession to secure his signature.

The 18-year-old has emerged as one of the standout performers of the 2026 World Cup, starting five matches for the Atlas Lions as they advanced to the quarter-finals before being eliminated by France.

Bouaddi, currently on the books at Lille, has attracted widespread interest from top European clubs including Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City. However, any potential deal could require a compromise, as the French club values him at around £100 million.

Bouaddi only made his senior debut for Morocco last month after switching his international allegiance from France in May. He had previously represented France at various youth levels up to the Under-21s.

The midfielder’s impressive showing at the World Cup has intensified interest in him, but Lille are keen to retain his services for another season. Reports suggest that any transfer this summer could involve an agreement to loan him back to the French side for the 2026/27 campaign.

According to reports, Liverpool and Arsenal — both strong admirers of Bouaddi — are now willing to accept Lille’s condition of a season-long loan. While the Reds, the Gunners and Manchester City are all eager to add the young talent to their squads before the new domestic season, they are prepared to compromise to ensure they secure a deal.

Lille are understood to be demanding close to £100 million for Bouaddi, who has made only seven senior international appearances so far. Agreeing to a loan-back arrangement would reduce the immediate benefit of such a substantial outlay, but both Premier League clubs view the move as a long-term investment.

Both Arsenal and Liverpool have been focusing on recruiting young prospects this summer. The two clubs have also shown interest in 17-year-old Mexican midfielder Gilberto Mora, while Arsenal were previously competing with Manchester City for Leicester City winger Jeremy Monga, who celebrates his 17th birthday today. However, City are believed to have moved ahead in that particular pursuit.

Compared to Mora and Monga, Bouaddi is considered to be further along in his development, though he would command a significantly higher fee. The Moroccan midfielder made his senior debut for Lille just three days after turning 16 and marked his Champions League debut on his 17th birthday.

His rapid rise has not gone unnoticed across Europe, and the willingness of Liverpool and Arsenal to loan him back to Lille highlights the high regard in which the young midfielder is held by top clubs on the continent.