Chelsea face wonderkid threat over European giants' 'trump card'

Tom Weber

Updated: 18 Nov 2024 19:02 GMT
4 min read

Chelsea are interested in Ayyoub Bouaddi, but AC Milan potentially have an ace up their sleeve in the race to sign him, according to Italian media.

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The Lille midfielder has emerged as one of France's most promising prospects this term. Oddly, Bouaddi has yet to nail down a regular starting spot in Ligue 1, but he played the full 90 minutes against both Real Madrid and Juventus in the Champions League earlier this season.

At just 17 years of age, the France youth international looks to be the next huge talent produced by Lille, following in the footsteps of Leny Yoro. A gangly, defensive-minded central midfielder, Bouaddi excels at nipping into challenges and carrying the ball forward, though he does not yet offer much of an attacking threat.

His impressive performances this season have attracted the attention of Europe's big hitters. The likes of Chelsea and Arsenal were linked with Bouaddi earlier this month, but they are far from the only sides keen.

AC Milan a serious threat

Chelsea, in particular, could offer the youngster a clear development pathway due to BlueCo's ownership of Strasbourg, which would allow Bouaddi to remain in his home country until he is more experienced and ready for the Premier League.

However, it seems that Chelsea will face a major threat from AC Milan, now coached by Bouaddi's former mentor Paulo Fonseca. The Portuguese tactician handed the teenager his senior debut and utilised him nine times last season, starting him in five Conference League matches.

Gazzetta dello Sport confirms Milan's interest and claims that it is indeed Fonseca who is pushing for his signing. The Italian outlet, which compares the lanky midfielder to an 'octopus,' asserts that Bouaddi has surged up the club's shortlist for the summer of 2025.

The 'bad news' for the Rossoneri is that 'all the big clubs have noticed Bouaddi.' However, the fact that the Serie A giants 'moved before the others and have Fonseca' is a big boon that gives them a crucial advantage.

Milan already tried - in vain - to sign the youngster at the start of the year and have a great relationship with Lille after deals for Rafael Leao, Mike Maignan and, of course, Fonseca.

Bouaddi is viewed as the ideal defensive option to partner Youssouf Fofana and Tijjani Reijnders in the Rossoneri's midfield, but he won't come cheap. He is already valued at between €25 million and €30m and he won't be getting any cheaper over the course of the season.

Read more about: Serie A, Ligue 1, Premier League, Chelsea, Lille, Milan, Ayyoub Bouaddi