Arsenal BOMBSHELL: Gunners in official talks over €45m January deal

Arsenal are in direct talks with Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi over a €45 million January move, according to reports in France.

Bouaddi, 18, has established himself as one of the most promising youngsters in world football over the past few years and he has already racked up a whopping 72 senior appearances.

The France U21 international has started 13 of Lille’s 15 matches in Ligue 1 so far this season and his burgeoning reputation has seen him emerge as a transfer target for a number of top clubs in recent months.

This has been confirmed by renowned RMC Sport reporter Fabrice Hawkins, who has confirmed that Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain are all keeping close tabs on Bouaddi’s development.

It’s reported that Arsenal are making a “strong push” to sign the midfielder in January and they are even prepared to submit a €45m offer for the Frenchman during the upcoming winter transfer window.

The Gunners added Christian Norgaard and Martin Zubimendi to their midfield ranks this summer, however they have added Bouaddi to their transfer wishlist and they are firmly pursuing a deal as they look to beat Chelsea to his signature.

Ayyoub Bouaddi to Arsenal?

RMC Sport have revealed that Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is already in talks with Bouaddi’s representatives over a possible move to the Emirates Stadium in 2026 and the Gunners are eager to finalise a deal quickly in order to fight off significant competition for the midfielder.

However, Lille are determined to retain Bouaddi in January and they are in negotiations to extend his current deal by a further two years until 2029.

The French giants are confident that Bouaddi will sign fresh terms shortly and they are set to demand a fee in excess of €50m to sanction a sale next summer.

Football transfer news headlines today

TRANSFER RUMOURS: Salah exit update as Man Utd ready to complete €74m deal

Man Utd learn Mateta decision as Sesko ‘babysitter’ eyes ‘ambitious’ move

Maresca TEARS into Chelsea stars after Leeds loss: ‘My big regret…’

Arteta makes January transfer admission as Arsenal boss assesses mounting injury issues

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers’ new app for all of football’s big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

•Google Play

•App Store