Arsenal told Bruno Guimaraes is ‘priceless’ as Bouaddi price soars past £100m

Arsenal’s hunt for fresh midfield reinforcements has hit a couple of stumbling blocks, with reports suggesting Mikel Arteta’s two leading targets could both prove exceptionally difficult to land this summer.

The Gunners have made only one addition so far this window, turning Piero Hincapie’s loan spell into a permanent transfer, and Arteta is now keen to strengthen his engine room as Arsenal prepare to defend their Premier League title for the first time in 22 years.

Bouaddi price tag climbing beyond £100m

Arsenal’s long-standing interest in Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi has been well documented, with the 18-year-old Lille midfielder impressing at the 2026 World Cup as the AFCON champions reached the quarter-finals, where they will face France.

Manchester United and Liverpool are also credited with interest in Bouaddi, and reports suggest all three clubs could need to bid above the £100million mark to prise him away from Lille, a significant jump from earlier valuations of around £60million.

Lille president Olivier Letang told Eurosport: “Many clubs are interested in him, but very few can afford him right now. He’s already one of the best midfielders in the world and still has significant room for improvement. He’s only 18 and has his whole future ahead of him. He’s focused on continuing to develop and winning everything.”

Referencing the recent departures of Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali from Newcastle, Letang added: “How much have players like (Elliot) Anderson or (Sandro) Tonali been sold for, who are much older, but without room for improvement, so you have an idea of the value of Ayyoub, who has a unique profile at only 18 years old.” Bouaddi still has three years left on his contract at Lille.

Read more: Van Dijk to stay at Liverpool as Bouaddi handed £100m World Cup price tag

Guimaraes ‘not for sale’ as Newcastle stand firm

Bouaddi isn’t the only midfield target on Arsenal’s list, with interest in Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes reignited this summer. A verbal offer for the Brazilian is understood to have already been rejected by the Magpies, despite representatives for the 28-year-old holding contact with both clubs.

Eddie Howe has already overseen the sales of Anthony Gordon and Tonali this summer, and Newcastle are said to have made clear that a third departure of a key player is off the table. The club are reportedly planning to open talks over a new contract for Guimaraes rather than sanction a sale.

Guimaraes was previously on Arsenal’s radar before he joined Newcastle from Lyon in 2022, and Arteta had also monitored him during his first season in charge before the Brazilian’s move to France in 2020.

What next for Arteta?

With Newcastle refusing to budge on Guimaraes and Lille’s asking price for Bouaddi climbing steadily, Arsenal may need to reassess their midfield strategy as the transfer window progresses. Arteta will be keen to add depth before the new Premier League season gets under way, having already secured Hincapie on a permanent deal.