
Roma faces stiff competition for Lille midfielder Bouaddi, with Real Madrid among top clubs circling
Ayyoub Bouaddi, a 17-year-old midfielder from Lille, has emerged as a target for multiple elite European clubs following his performances at a recent international tournament, where he was named player of the match in a game against Brazil. Roma has been tracking the Morocco international for several months as a potential replacement should Manu Koné depart the club. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini observed Bouaddi closely during a Europa League match between Roma and Lille at the Olimpico and views him as an ideal successor to Koné. Roma contacted Lille before the end of the domestic season, when the club's valuation stood at €60 million—a figure that could increase in coming weeks. However, the pursuit has become significantly more complicated due to interest from other top clubs. Real Madrid has made inquiries about the prospect, reportedly considering him under manager José Mourinho. Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain have also entered the race, creating fierce competition in the transfer market. The signing remains difficult at present given the number of suitors and the rising financial demands.


