Moroccan wonderkid captivates giants— England and Germany's elite are targeting Bouaddi

One of the brightest young talents at this year's World Cup is undoubtedly Ayyoub Bouaddi. His composure and fearlessness were on full display in the opening-round clash against Brazil, where he made it clear he was ready for football's biggest stage. In doing so, he also introduced himself to fans who don't usually spend their weekends watching France's Ligue 1.

It's no secret that there is a long line of clubs interested in the Atlas Lions international. Bouaddi also showed his confidence off the pitch when he chose to represent his country of heritage over France without much hesitation.

Now, according to Fabrice Hawkins of RMC Sport, the race for the gifted midfielder has become clearer. The current shortlist of suitors includes Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich. Not bad at all. Those clubs have won a combined nine Champions League titles, plus Arsenal, who have never lifted the famous trophy but finished runners-up in this season's edition of Europe's elite competition.

Manchester United are actively searching for a midfielder following Casemiro's departure, while Manuel Ugarte is also expected to leave Old Trafford. The Red Devils have been keeping a close eye on Ligue 1 for some time, with Bouaddi joined on their shortlist by Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangare.

Arsenal, meanwhile, believe the young midfielder could be the final piece of a puzzle years in the making, one that could finally lead them to the long-awaited Champions League title. Manchester City are also expected to reshape their squad following Pep Guardiola's departure, marking the beginning of a new era for the 2023 European champions.

Bayern Munich also appear to be an attractive destination for Bouaddi, especially with his international teammate Ismael Saibari set to move to Bavaria. That connection could prove to be Bayern's ace in the hole.

Ultimately, however, Lille remain in control of the situation. The French club are unwilling to sell Bouaddi for less than €80 million, and according to the same source, that asking price could even rise to €100 million.

Real Madrid had previously been mentioned among the clubs monitoring the Lille midfielder, although Jose Mourinho's primary midfield target this summer is Enzo Fernandez, while West Ham's Mateus Fernandes has also been linked with a move to the Spanish giants.

Paris Saint-Germain have also tracked the youngster, but the French champions are not planning to sign a midfielder this summer. Instead, they have shifted their focus to other targets, including Yan Diomande.

Lille remain hopeful that Bouaddi will stay with the club for at least one more season to continue his development in familiar surroundings. Whether that proves realistic remains to be seen, given the level of interest surrounding the French-born midfielder, who was born in 2007.

WORLD CUP - KNOCKOUT STAGE

Round of 32

Sunday

South Africa - Canada 1-0 (0-0)

/Eustaquio 90+2/

Monday

20.00: (1.73) Brazil (3.60) Japan (5.20)

23.30: (1.40) Germany (4.60) Paraguay (8.00)

Tuesday

04.00: (2.20) Netherlands (3.15) Morocco (3.75)

20.00: (3.50) Ivory Coast (3.55) Norway (2.10)

00.00: (1.30) France (5.80) Sweden (9.00)

Wednesday

04.00: (2.25) Mexico (2.95) Ecuador (3.85)

19.00: (1.30) England (5.20) Dr Congo (11.0)

23.00: (2.15) Belgium (3.25) Senegal (3.75)

Thursday

03.00: (1.43) USA (4.60) B&H (8.50)

22.00: (1.32) Spain (5.25) Austria (10.0)

Friday

02.00: (1.95) Portugal (3.40) Croatia (4.10)

06.00: (1.95) Switzerland (3.45) Algeria (4.00)

21.00: (3.15) Australia (2.95) Egypt (2.55)

Saturday

01.00: (1.17) Argentina (7.50) Cape Verde (16.0)

04.30: (1.70) Colombia (3.60) Ghana (5.50)

***odds are subject to change***