Bouaddi wanted by Arsenal and City after Ferdinand endorsement

Rio Ferdinand: go get Bouaddi now

Rio Ferdinand has named Ayyoub Bouaddi as the midfielder Arsenal should build around. No hesitation. "I would go and get Bouaddi from Morocco, the 18-year-old midfielder. 100 per cent I'm taking him, building stuff around him," Ferdinand said (1).

The endorsement is precise. "Takes the ball, manipulator. Controls the momentum of the game, speeds it up, slows it down, can beat the press. He's my conductor" (1). Bouaddi is still only 18.

City ready €100m for the same player

Manchester City are not waiting. They have set their sights on Bouaddi at €100m, roughly £85m (2). The 18-year-old Lille midfielder is your country's breakout star at this World Cup and now two Premier League giants have him in their crosshairs.

Fan reactions

The dual-nationality recruitment story has fans talking, with Brahim Díaz and Bouaddi now in the squad. Lamine Yamal choosing Spain over Morocco still stings in those discussions. Read the full thread.