Arsenal, PSG compete for Lille's 18-year-old Moroccan talent Boudadi

Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain are both pursuing Ayoub Boudadi, the 18-year-old Lille midfielder who impressed for Morocco at the World Cup. Arsenal representatives have already held negotiations with the player, though Boudadi favors a move to PSG, according to Sky Sports.

Lille is resisting a sale to the Parisian club, viewing PSG as a Ligue 1 rival. The French club is demanding €70 million for Boudadi, significantly above his €50 million Transfermarkt valuation. The club has declined to sell to a domestic competitor.

Boudadi came into focus after playing all 90 minutes for Morocco in their 1-1 Group C draw with Brazil. This season at Lille, he has completed 41 appearances across all competitions, recording one assist.

Boudadi's World Cup exposure and dual-club pursuit may accelerate his departure timeline; Arsenal's willingness to negotiate despite Lille's French-rival objections could push valuation beyond €70 million if PSG raises its bid.