Chelsea to make bid for second French under-21 international Bouaddi

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January 22, 2026 09:08 GMT (UK), by Ketan Patel

Chelsea are to raid Lille this January transfer window with a move for 18-year-old French under-21 international midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. The starlet is a first-team regular at Ligue 1 side Lille and is valued at around 28 million euros. Bouaddi holds a coveted record in France, being the youngest player in Ligue 1 at 16 years and 20 days old.

Bouaddi made his first appearance in October of 2023 and has since gone on to play for the club’s starting XI on a regular basis, this season playing 22 times since the start of the campaign. Chelsea have been monitoring the player’s progress for several months and have decided to make a move for the defensive midfielder having been disappointed with the progress of former Southampton player Romeo Lavia. The Belgian’s career at Chelsea has been heavily disrupted through injuries and he could now depart Stamford Bridge as the Blues seek alternatives.

Bouaddi has also been tracked by French giants Paris St Germain, but the midfielder has his heart set on a move to England and the Premier League. It is understood that a transfer could be signed and sealed before transfer deadline day.