An 18-year-old midfielder from Lille is making noise at the World Cup — and Premier League clubs are already circling. Morocco’s Ayyoub Bouaddi, who held his own against Brazil in a 1-1 draw in the tournament’s opening game, has reportedly drawn interest from Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain. But the teenager isn’t rushing to make a decision.
“For the moment I’m only focused on the World Cup, I cannot answer to this right now,” Bouaddi told reporters after the match. “I’m really happy to know that some clubs are interested in me but for now I’m here focused on the World Cup with Morocco and we will try to give everything to do our best.”
According to reports, Lille has placed a valuation of around £70 million on Bouaddi. That price tag hasn’t scared off suitors — Arsenal in particular has reportedly opened talks over a potential move, though nothing is close to being finalized. The Gunners are also said to be tracking PSG winger Bradley Barcola, though Liverpool is believed to be in the running for the French international as well.
Ivory Coast’s Yan Diomande Also on Radar
Another African prospect making waves at the World Cup is Ivory Coast forward Yan Diomande. RB Leipzig’s young attacker has been linked with PSG and Liverpool, according to Ivory Coast manager Emerse Faé, who says the player will put any decision on hold until after the tournament.
“When we were in France, during the preparation, journalists told me he was about to sign with PSG,” Faé said following Ivory Coast’s win over Ecuador. “Here, they tell me he’s about to sign with Liverpool. I don’t know, but for now, he will focus on the World Cup, and then afterwards, he can think about the rest of his career.”
Cucurella Makes Real Madrid Move Official
In other transfer news, Marc Cucurella has completed his move from Chelsea to Real Madrid for a fee believed to be around £52 million. The Spanish left-back’s departure frees up some space in Chelsea’s crowded squad, while Real Madrid adds depth to a position where they’ve been thin.
For now, though, the World Cup remains the main attraction — and for a handful of young stars, it’s also the ultimate audition.
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