아스널, 데클란 라이스의 완벽한 파트너로 평가받는 6천만 파운드 상당의 월드컵 신동 영입 촉구

Arsenal could sign the perfect foil for Declan Rice this summer in the shape of Morocco’s teen sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi.

The 18-year-old has announced himself at the World Cup and, after just 63 league games for Lille, is destined for bigger things.

Bouaddi played Brazil in his country’s opening game and didn’t look overawed by playing against the best in the worldGetty

In the 1-1 draw with Brazil he bossed five-time Champions League winner Casemiro, former Arsenal transfer target Bruno Guimaraes, and Lucas Paqueta.

Bouaddi earned immediate plaudits for his performance controlling possession with poise and also winning 11 duels.

Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit was just one of those fawning over his talent.

“He’s been one of the strongest young players in France,” Petit told talkSPORT Breakfast.

“We’ve seen that against Brazil. He’s shown maturity and personality.

“Even at the end of the game, I saw him try to dribble in his own penalty area.

“The confidence, he’s got quality, he’s got physical presence, he’s got the tactical knowledge, he’s got the technical skills.

“I’m not surprised at all that he’s been targeted for two seasons now with the big clubs in Europe, and it will be a fierce battle to get him.”

Who wants to sign him?

The Gunners are one of those sides who are interested in signing him but with a packed midfield it will be intriguing to see where he would fit.

And European football expert Andy Brassell believes the £60million-rated wonderkid might well slot in alongside Declan Rice.

Bouaddi is showing everyone at the World Cup why they should take notice

He told talkSPORT: “It’s a really difficult question and it’s a difficult question because there are two factors and they’re two relatively similar players.

“What happens with Martin Odegaard going forward? Does he continue to be a starter?

“Obviously there are games where he still gives Arsenal something extra but I expect the Arsenal style to evolve a little bit from last season.

“And what they do with Ethan Nwaneri? Do they bring him back? Do they send him out on loan again and hope he plays more than he did at Marseille, or do they decide to cash in and sell him?

“But, look, if you’re imagining Arsenal are going to be even more athletic next season but are going to hold on to the ball a little bit more then Bouaddi is someone who would be great next to Declan Rice.”

But just how easy will it be to prise Bouaddi from Lille’s clutches?

Arsenal legend Petit was very impressed by the teenager against Brazil and here’s why

Brassell added: “It’s going to be really hard for Lille to hang on to him I think and that was always going to be the case even coming into this tournament.

“He only chose Morocco relatively recently; he could have played for France. He’s born and grew up there but he’s been fated really from the moment that he played his first Champions League game when Lille had an injury crisis the season before last.

“He played Real Madrid on his 17th birthday, Lille won and he was absolutely brilliant in that game. They went on to beat Atletico and draw Juventus in that, and the maturity on him just from that early point has been clear.

“He’s so judicious with the ball. He’s very athletic as well and then, if you weren’t aware of him, he goes and drops that performance like he dropped against Brazil in the first game.

“Davide Ancelotti, Carlo’s son and assistant, who is theoretically going to be his club coach next season, is looking at him probably going, ‘Not only is this guy doing our team Brazil now but this probably means I’m not going to get to coach him next season’.

“If Arsenal are going to go out there and do something in the market, because they’ve been so good last season and they were head and shoulders above the rest of the Premier League for at least three quarters of the season, the other side of that is they’re going to have to spend big.

“They can’t do little deals and I think he’s really the sweet spot because he’s someone who’s already at a very high level but he’s got a little way to go as well so Mikel Arteta can make him even better.”

Who do Morocco play next?

After drawing with Brazil and then beating Scotland, they will top their World Cup group if they beat Haiti and Brazil fail to beat Steve Clarke’s side.

However, a draw will also see them through to the knockout stage.

Stay up to date with all the latest World Cup tips & predictions, World Cup Match Previews and all the best World Cup Betting Offers and Free Bets in our dedicated betting hub