Real Madrid monitoring FIFA World Cup star wanted by Arsenal - Reports

× Spanish giants Real Madrid are monitoring Morocco star and reported Arsenal transfer target Ayyoub Bouaddi at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to the latest reports, the midfielder is being watched by Los Blancos' scouts at the tournament. Ad A defensive midfielder by nature, Bouaddi has turned heads with his tough-tackling nature, press resistance, ball-carrying ability and game awareness.

The 18-year-old enjoyed a stellar 2025-26 campaign at club level with LOSC Lille, making 42 appearances across all competitions. At the FIFA World Cup, Bouaddi has played every single minute of Morocco's two Group C games thus far - a 1-1 draw against Brazil and a 1-0 win over Scotland. Fans, pundits and top European clubs alike have been impressed by the youngster's displays.

Ad Trending According to Fabrizio Romano's latest update (via @MadridXtra on X), Real Madrid have sent scouts to watch Bouaddi in action at the FIFA World Cup. The Italian asserted that the Merengues have been monitoring the midfielder's situation for a long time. Real recently strengthened their midfield with the signing of Bernardo Silva on a free transfer from Premier League giants Manchester City.

With stars like Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde already in their ranks, Bouaddi is likely being viewed by them as an option for the future. Ad Meanwhile, on the back of a Premier League-winning campaign in 2025-26, Arsenal are looking to add depth to a midfield that is already packed with talent. While the Gunners have expressed an interest in signing Bouaddi, they haven't made a concrete move yet.

Other top European sides like Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Chelsea and Liverpool are also believed to be interested in Bouaddi's services. It will be interesting to see where the 18-year-old ends up at the conclusion of the summer transfer window. Ad "Amazed by his maturity" - Ex-Arsenal forward backs FIFA World Cup star and Lille teammate Ayyoub Bouaddi to succeed at Real Madrid Former Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has showered praise on his current LOSC Lille teammate and midfield sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi.

The Frenchman claimed that the youngster has all the qualities to succeed at Real Madrid if he decides to move to the Santiago Bernabeu. Ad Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Giroud, who racked up 105 goals and 38 assists in 253 games for Arsenal, said (via Metro): "I've been amazed by his maturity. His head is well done in the sense that he is calm, confident, he's staying himself.

It's a gift to have him in the team and I think Morocco is very, very pleased to have him. He's shown that from the first game and I think that’s just the beginning… 18 years old!"

Ad Giroud compared Bouaddi to veteran France midfielder N'Golo Kante, adding: "I think it's going to be tough to keep him at Lille. He's a complete player, he's very versatile, he's all over the place, a bit like N’Golo Kante... Look, if he's got it then after he will play in Real Madrid next year so give him some time."

Up next, Bouaddi will be seen in action against Haiti in Morocco's final game of Group C at the FIFA World Cup (June 24). × Was this article helpful? Thank You for feedback Quick Links More from Sportskeeda Edited by Aaryan Nagraj Spanish giants Real Madrid are monitoring Morocco star and reported Arsenal transfer target Ayyoub Bouaddi at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to the latest reports, the midfielder is being watched by Los Blancos' scouts at the tournament. Ad A defensive midfielder by nature, Bouaddi has turned heads with his tough-tackling nature, press resistance, ball-carrying ability and game awareness. The 18-year-old enjoyed a stellar 2025-26 campaign at club level with LOSC Lille, making 42 appearances across all competitions.

At the FIFA World Cup, Bouaddi has played every single minute of Morocco's two Group C games thus far - a 1-1 draw against Brazil and a 1-0 win over Scotland. Fans, pundits and top European clubs alike have been impressed by the youngster's displays. Ad Trending According to Fabrizio Romano's latest update (via @MadridXtra on X), Real Madrid have sent scouts to watch Bouaddi in action at the FIFA World Cup.

The Italian asserted that the Merengues have been monitoring the midfielder's situation for a long time. Real recently strengthened their midfield with the signing of Bernardo Silva on a free transfer from Premier League giants Manchester City. With stars like Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde already in their ranks, Bouaddi is likely being viewed by them as an option for the future.

Ad Meanwhile, on the back of a Premier League-winning campaign in 2025-26, Arsenal are looking to add depth to a midfield that is already packed with talent. While the Gunners have expressed an interest in signing Bouaddi, they haven't made a concrete move yet. Other top European sides like Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Chelsea and Liverpool are also believed to be interested in Bouaddi's services.

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