Arsenal pushing to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi before Chelsea

Arsenal are pushing to sign young midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi ahead of Chelsea during the winter transfer window, according to RMC Sport in France.

The Gunners bolstered their midfield with Martin Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze and Christian Norgaard last summer, but they are planning to add more quality to their ranks in the New Year.

Bouaddi has been closely watched by Arsenal and Chelsea in recent weeks, but reports claim that the Gunners are frontrunners and 'pushing hard' to sign him for €45 million as early as January.

Lille only recently extended the 18-year-old's contract until June 2029. They plan to keep him until the summer before sanctioning his departure for a package of more than €50m.

Bouaddi has also been linked with Paris Saint-Germain over the last few months, but the French champions are not planning to enter a bidding battle for his services at the current point in time.

Arsenal are likely to go on a mini-spending spree this winter in order to boost their chances of winning the Premier League title.