Ayyoub Bouaddi tempted to join Arsenal instead of PSG after development

A lot of noise has been made about Arsenal‘s pursuit of attackers, but Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta are also keen to reinforce the engine room.

Indeed, Arsenal’s search for midfield reinforcements remains one of the key themes of their summer transfer window.

Arteta is keen to ensure his squad has the depth and quality required to compete on multiple fronts once again next season.

The Gunners have been linked with a few high-profile midfielders in recent weeks as they assess ways of strengthening the centre of the pitch.

One name that continues to attract attention is Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali.

The Italy international is admired across Europe and has been mentioned as a player Arsenal would love to bring to north London if the opportunity arises.

Arsenal were reportedly offered Tonali by his agent in January, and the links have refused to go away since then.

The problem for Berta and co is his price tag, with Newcastle poised to hold out for around £100 million.

Before Man United took pole position in the race for West Ham star Mateus Fernandes, it is also believed that Arsenal made an enquiry to sign the Portuguese (Ben Jacobs).

Roma midfielder Manu Kone has also featured in transfer discussions.

The French international has enjoyed a strong rise in Serie A and is viewed by many as one of the most talented young midfielders currently playing in Italy.

While those names would undoubtedly excite supporters, their search for a new midfielder has also led them towards one of the most highly-rated prospects in French football.

Arsenal hold talks with PSG target Bouaddi with ‘important’ role promised

According to Sky Switzerland journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Arsenal have been working behind the scenes for months on a move for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.

The report claims contact between Arsenal and the player’s representatives has been ongoing since the beginning of last year.

That level of engagement suggests the teenager is viewed as far more than a passing transfer target.

Bouaddi has rapidly established himself as one of the brightest young players in Ligue 1.

Despite his age, he has already demonstrated the technical quality, composure and maturity that have made Europe’s biggest clubs sit up and take notice.

His performances for Lille have reportedly attracted serious interest from PSG.

The French and European champions are believed to be among Arsenal’s biggest rivals in the race for his signature. In fact, Tavolieri reports that Bouaddi currently holds a slight preference towards a move to Paris.

That could present a challenge for Arsenal. However, the Gunners are far from giving up.

The report suggests Arsenal have made it clear to Bouaddi’s camp that he would play an ‘important’ role in Arteta’s long-term plans.

Club officials are understood to have outlined a pathway that would see the youngster become a significant part of the first-team project.

That message appears to have made an impression.

According to Tavolieri, Bouaddi has now shown genuine interest in the possibility of moving to the Emirates Stadium instead of the Parc des Princes as a result.

Recent conversations between all parties are said to have been positive.

Arsenal’s hierarchy remain confident they can convince the midfielder despite competition from PSG, and Arteta is also expected to become increasingly involved in discussions as negotiations progress.

The Arsenal manager has played a major role in several key signings during recent years and his influence could prove important once again.

There is, however, another obstacle.

Lille are reportedly seeking a fee in the region of £60 million before considering a sale.

That figure reflects both Bouaddi’s enormous potential and his growing importance to the French club.

Arsenal believe they may hold an advantage when it comes to negotiations too.

The report claims the club’s strong relationship with Lille president Olivier Letang could help smooth discussions if talks reach an advanced stage.

For now, no agreement has been reached, but Arsenal’s pursuit of Bouaddi appears serious and long-standing.

With links to experienced stars such as Tonali and Kone continuing alongside their interest in one of France’s brightest young talents, the Gunners are clearly exploring multiple options as they look to strengthen their midfield.