Ayyoub Bouaddi, the 18-year-old midfielder from Morocco, has become one of the most sought-after young players in the world after his impressive World Cup performances.
Despite his young age, Bouaddi has already gained significant experience at club level, making 96 appearances for Lille in various competitions, including nine in the Champions League.
His impressive skills have attracted the attention of top clubs like Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich, making him a highly prized asset.
Lille, however, is not willing to let him go cheaply, and French reports suggest that they are looking for a significant fee to part with Bouaddi.
The club is reportedly seeking between £69 million and £89 million for the midfielder's signature, depending on the nature of the deal.
One potential option being considered is a loan deal, with Lille agreeing to accept a lower fee if Bouaddi returns to the club for next season.
However, interested parties may be hesitant to take on this option, as the lower price would still be nearly £70 million, a significant investment in a player who would be unavailable for a year.
Despite the potential challenges, several top clubs are still interested in Bouaddi, with Manchester City reportedly rating his versatility and seeing him as an option in midfield and at right-back.
However, City's interest in Bouaddi may be complicated by their pursuit of Chelsea's Malo Gusto, who has emerged as a target in the right-back position, with a £75 million asking price making a deal unlikely.
