Fabrizio Romano reveals call to Liverpool, Arsenal and PSG target Ayyoub Bouaddi
Fabrizio Romano has shared the latest on the future of Liverpool, Arsenal and PSG target Ayyoub Bouaddi as the Moroccan teenager continues to shine at the 2026 World Cup.
Bouaddi has been one of the standout stars of this summer’s tournament in North America, starting two key matches for Morocco as they advance to the knockout stages, where they will face the Netherlands in the round of 32.
Olivier Giroud, who has played with the 18-year-old at French club Lille, has told him of a big move this summer: “I don’t see him at Lille next season, his sales will be between 60 and 70 million.
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Football FanCast verdict |
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Honesty |
Both Arsenal and Liverpool are expected to sign a new midfielder this summer. The Reds’ midfield looked stagnant last season, providing little defensive cover, and Arsenal would like to ease the burden on Declan Rice, who has played nearly 4,500 minutes in all competitions, equivalent to 50 full games. |
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Finance |
Giroud’s €70m (£60m) valuation is in line with various reports about Lille’s demands this summer. Bouaddi, on the other hand, earns just £18,000-a-week at Lille, so will be in line for a pay rise if he moves to the riches of the Premier League. |
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Testing |
The youngster played 30 times in Ligue 1 last season, excelling in wins (2 per game) and dribbling (1.1 per game). He gained fame in the World Cup for his running in tight spaces in the middle of the field, and at 6 foot 1 he boasts a competitive body in English football. |
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Impact |
PSG’s interest will make life difficult for clubs interested in the Premier League. The reigning Champions League winners offer huge salaries, consistent domestic success and a real path to prominence on the European stage. |
“What impressed me is his maturity and the environment he lives in, really healthy, first and foremost. He has a good head on his shoulders in a calm and confident way. He is a gift to have in your team and Morocco must be very happy to have him.”
PSG made a call to Bouaddi’s agents
Romano revealed on his YouTube channel on Saturday morning that the French giants have entered the race for the Lille title by contacting his agents.
“Manchester City is looking for Bouaddi. I was told that PSG have contacted people close to this player.
“Let’s see what will happen with Bouaddi, I told you that Arsenal and Liverpool had meetings before the World Cup for this boy, so both clubs were already following him.”
The Liverpool star will be watching what happens with Bouaddi
One person who will be watching this saga closely is Liverpool’s Curtis Jones, who came out of the dugout under Arne Slot last season.
New manager Andoni Iraola often uses just two in midfield behind a four-pronged attack, while Jones sits behind Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister in the race for those two spots.
Should Bouaddi join, Jones could be forced to accept a rumored move to Inter Milan, who have already seen a bid rejected for the 25-year-old.
The Serie A champions have made a verbal offer of £21.7million for the 25-year-old but that is well below the Anfield club’s £34.6m valuation.
This is the second time this year that the Reds have withdrawn interest from Inter following the method used in January.
Given the significant gap between the valuations of the two clubs, Liverpool does not expect further negotiations at the moment, but the sale could open the door to a blockbuster for Bouaddi, both financially and organizationally.
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