Arsenal have missed out on one of their reported midfield targets after Manchester City completed the signing of Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille.

The transfer brings an end to the speculation linking the highly rated midfielder with a move to the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal had reportedly shown interest in Bouaddi and had been monitoring his development, but Manchester City ultimately moved ahead of their Premier League rivals.

Manchester City Complete Bouaddi Signing

Manchester City have officially signed Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, with the young midfielder agreeing to a five-year contract.

The reported transfer package is worth around €95 million, plus a further €5 million in potential add-ons. The size of the fee underlines how highly Manchester City rate the French-born Morocco international.

Bouaddi has attracted significant attention because of his technical ability, composure and maturity despite his young age. His performances for Lille helped establish him as one of the most promising young midfielders in European football.

At just 18 years old, his move to Manchester City represents another major step in his development.

Arsenal Had Been Interested

Arsenal were among the clubs linked with Bouaddi during the summer transfer window.

Reports suggested that the Gunners had been working on the possibility of bringing the midfielder to north London and had made contact with people close to the player.

Arsenal’s interest made sense given their desire to continue strengthening their midfield and build a squad capable of competing for major trophies.

However, the club ultimately failed to win the race for his signature.

Manchester City’s ability to move quickly and meet Lille’s valuation proved decisive, with the Premier League champions completing the deal before Arsenal could turn their interest into an agreement.

A Disappointment for Arsenal Fans

For Arsenal supporters, losing a highly rated young player to a Premier League rival will naturally be disappointing.

Bouaddi was viewed as a player with enormous potential, and his ability to operate in midfield made him an attractive option for the future.

However, Arsenal must now look elsewhere for further reinforcement.

The club already has significant quality in midfield, meaning Bouaddi’s departure should not be viewed as a crisis. Instead, Arsenal’s recruitment team will have to assess whether another target can provide the qualities they were looking for in the teenager.

What Happens Next for Arsenal?

With the Bouaddi deal now off the table, attention is turning towards Arsenal’s remaining transfer priorities.

The biggest name currently dominating the headlines is Julián Álvarez.

Arsenal remain interested in the Atlético Madrid striker, although the situation is complicated by the player’s reported preference for Barcelona and Atlético’s reluctance to sell him to the Catalan club.

Unlike the Bouaddi situation, the Álvarez transfer remains open, giving Arsenal supporters something significant to watch as the transfer window approaches its conclusion.

Final Verdict

Ayyoub Bouaddi will not be joining Arsenal this summer after Manchester City completed a major deal for the young midfielder.

Arsenal missed out, but their transfer window is not over.

The Gunners still have the opportunity to strengthen their squad, and the potential pursuit of Julián Álvarez could become the biggest story of the final days of the window.

For now, Arsenal fans can only watch and wait to see whether the club responds to missing out on Bouaddi with another major signing.

Bouaddi to Manchester City is done. The next big Arsenal transfer story could be Álvarez. 🔴