The transfer rumour mill is spinning at full speed, and Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi is right at the centre of it. Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are all tracking the 18-year-old, according to journalist Nicolo Schira, with Lille holding firm at a €75 million asking price. That valuation may already be climbing after Bouaddi turned heads in Morocco’s 1-1 draw with Brazil at the World Cup — a performance that showed exactly why Europe’s elite are fighting over him.
Morocco World Cup Star Sparks Transfer Scramble as Bayern Circle Two Atlas Lions
Bouaddi only recently declared his international allegiance to Morocco, and he wasted absolutely no time announcing himself on the biggest stage. His all-action display against Brazil — sharp in and out of possession — gave every watching scout something to write home about. Furthermore, he was not the only Morocco man to impress. PSV Eindhoven winger Ismael Saibari, 25, is reportedly closing on a €50 million switch to Bayern Munich, per Kicker. Two Atlas Lions could be heading to the Allianz Arena before the summer is out.
Meanwhile, Bayern face a potential exit on the opposite flank. Kicker reports the German giants could sanction the departure of left back Alphonso Davies, 25, this summer. The Canada international — previously linked with Real Madrid and Manchester United — signed a new deal until 2030 last year, but injuries have blighted his career and he missed his country’s World Cup opener against Bosnia & Herzegovina. The imminent arrival of Eintracht Frankfurt left back Nathaniel Brown only deepens the uncertainty around his future.
Premier League Clubs Circle Everton’s Ndiaye and Barcelona’s Casadó
Closer to home, Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye has caught the eye of Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United, according to the Daily Mail. The 26-year-old shone in the Premier League last season and is understood to be ready for a fresh challenge. Everton would consider bids above £50 million, though a strong World Cup showing with Senegal could push that figure significantly higher.
Additionally, Manchester United are among a cluster of Premier League sides monitoring Barcelona midfielder Marc Casadó, per Mundo Deportivo. The 22-year-old’s agent is Jorge Mendes, with whom United have maintained a long-standing relationship. Bayer Leverkusen and Saudi side Al Ahli are also in the picture, while Atletico Madrid would need Diego Simeone‘s express blessing before pursuing a deal.
In terms of confirmed moves, ESPN reports Real Madrid have struck a deal worth up to £51.8 million with Chelsea for left back Marc Cucurella, 27 — broken down into a £47.4 million fee plus £4.3 million in add-ons. Cucurella only put pen to paper on a new Stamford Bridge contract last summer but is open to leaving after Chelsea finished tenth and missed out on European football entirely.
Amorim in the Frame for Milan, Plus the Rest of Today’s Snippets
Elsewhere, Ruben Amorim, 41, has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Massimiliano Allegri at AC Milan. Allegri was sacked last month after a fifth-place Serie A finish that cost the club Champions League football. Amorim departed Manchester United in January following a turbulent 14-month stint at Old Trafford, but his earlier work at Sporting CP clearly still carries weight at the highest level. Oliver Glasner is another name circling Milan, and Football Insider reports he could even bring Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta along with him if he takes the job.
As for the briefing notes: Arsenal are widely reported to be tracking Club Brugge’s Christos Tzolis and PSG’s Bradley Barcola as Mikel Arteta’s side look to build on their Premier League title triumph. Bayern midfielder Leon Goretzka is being pursued by MLS club Chicago Fire FC, who are also in advanced talks over a deal for Barcelona and Poland striker Robert Lewandowski — sources describe that one as close but not yet done. Atalanta midfielder Ederson will undergo a medical in New York to complete a €40 million move to Manchester United, per Corriere dello Sport. Negotiations between Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton for centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke are progressing after personal terms were agreed days ago. Brentford are pushing to beat Arsenal to 16-year-old Leicester City winger Jeremy Monga, while Inter are also pursuing Liverpool’s Curtis Jones, 25, who appears outside Andoni Iraola‘s first-team plans.
