Chelsea are among the suitors for Ayyoub Bouaddi and are planning an offensive to convince LOSC to sell during the January transfer window. The Blues have a well-defined plan to pip PSG in this race.
At just 18 years old, Ayyoub Bouaddi is considered a generational talent. The French midfielder is already an important starter at LOSC. He has played 20 matches this season across all competitions, including 17 as a starter. Already highly sought-after on the market, Lille took matters into their own hands a few weeks ago by extending their prodigy's contract until June 2029.
A major announcement, which has not deterred suitors however. Indeed, PSG remain very interested in his profile, but could well be beaten to the punch by a motivated suitor: Arsenal. Caught Offside provided an update on this matter on Sunday, claiming that almost all of Europe's giants are in the running.
Europe scrambles for Ayyoub Bouaddi
The Gunners are indeed targeting the Lille man and have already made contact with his entourage regarding a summer transfer. Liverpool are closely monitoring his development, as are Manchester United, who see him as a potential replacement for Casemiro next summer. However, the club that appears to be most advanced in this pursuit is Chelsea.
IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire
Indeed, the Blues, who are always on the lookout for wonderkids from around the world, could make their move as early as January “with an offer of €45m to €50m (£39.5m to £44m)”, according to the British outlet. The London club want to steal a march on the competition for Ayyoub Bouaddi.
Chelsea want to use Strasbourg to sign Bouaddi
Chelsea have also already drawn up their plan. Their ambition is to sign the France U21 international this winter and loan him back to Strasbourg until the end of the season so he can continue his development in Ligue 1. It remains to be seen whether this plan could convince Ayyoub Bouaddi and LOSC, who would reportedly demand at least €60m (£53m) to part ways with their prodigy.
Outside of the Premier League and PSG, Real Madrid also wish “to sign him alongside Camavinga and Tchouameni to form a French core”, according to Caught Offside. The young Lille star therefore has no shortage of top-level suitors and will have to make an important decision about his future.
This article was originally published on Top Mercato.
