June 13, 2026

Ouaga Press

Independent English-language coverage of Burkina Faso's most pressing news and developments.

Psg targets 18-year-old Ligue 1 midfielder for €70m

Paris Saint-Germain eyes 18-year-old Ligue 1 sensation for €70 million

As summer transfer windows heat up, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is actively scouting Ligue 1 for young talent, with Ayyoub Bouaddi emerging as a top target. The 18-year-old midfielder, currently under contract with Lille OSC (LOSC) until 2029, has become a focal point in PSG’s recruitment strategy. To secure his signature, the French capital club is reportedly prepared to offer a staggering €70 million—an amount that could sway Lille’s leadership.

Ayyoub Bouaddi, 18-year-old midfielder

Lille sets high demands for Bouaddi’s departure

Lille OSC’s president Olivier Létang has made it clear that parting ways with Bouaddi would require an exceptional offer. Despite the player’s recent contract extension, Lille remains open to discussions if the price exceeds €50 million—but only if it meets their extraordinary valuation. « We’ve had regular discussions with Ayyoub, and our goal is to keep him, » Létang stated. « However, if an extraordinary proposal arises, we might reconsider. Anything below €50 million? That’s not enough. It’s far from the figure that would make us consider letting him go. »

Arsenal joins PSG in the race for Bouaddi

Competition for Bouaddi’s signature is intensifying, with Arsenal also circling the young talent. The English club has identified the Moroccan international (3 caps) as a priority target to bolster their midfield. Since January 2025, Arsenal’s representatives have maintained close contact with Bouaddi and his advisors. While the teenager has expressed a preference for Paris, he has not ruled out an eventual move to London, leaving the door open for multiple bidders.