Real Madrid have added Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi to their transfer shortlist, with the 18-year-old also a target for Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain. The development comes after manager Jose Mourinho requested two more signings following a disastrous 2025-26 season that prompted his return for a second stint in charge.
Mourinho's Transfer Demands
According to Marca, Mourinho has asked the club to sign another centre-half and a midfielder capable of orchestrating play. Real Madrid have already been busy this summer, securing four new arrivals: Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries, Marc Cucurella, and Bernardo Silva. However, Mourinho wants at least two more additions to strengthen the squad.
The top midfield target is Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez, but the Premier League club are demanding £120 million for the Argentina international. Another option is West Ham United's Mateus Fernandes, though Tottenham are now thought to be leading the race for his signature ahead of Manchester United.
Bouaddi's Profile and Interest
Bouaddi, a highly-rated young star in Ligue 1, has been added to Real Madrid's shortlist as a potential option. While not currently a first-choice target, the club is closely monitoring his performances at the World Cup with Morocco. Arsenal have reportedly made an approach to sign him this summer, and Bouaddi has expressed an interest in joining Mikel Arteta's side.
Lille are keen to keep the midfielder for another season and would demand an €80 million (£68.9 million) transfer fee. Bouaddi is also unlikely to leave for a reduced role and would favour a move where he can play a key part.
Praise from Olivier Giroud
Former Arsenal and Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud has praised Bouaddi, saying: 'I've been amazed by his maturity and also his entourage is really good. 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.'
Giroud added: 'I was talking with friends and they sent me pictures of Patrick Vieira and Sergio Busquets. They said he was a mix of both. He's a complete player, he's very versatile, he's all over the place, a bit like N'Golo Kante.'
Bouaddi's potential move to Real Madrid would add to a busy summer for the Spanish giants as they look to rebuild under Mourinho.
