Mikel Arteta's attempts to strengthen Arsenal's midfield this summer have been complicated by prohibitive price tags and stubborn selling clubs. The Premier League champions have made only one signing so far – Piero Hincapie's loan made permanent – as they look to defend their title for the first time in 22 years.
Arsenal are one of three Premier League clubs, alongside Manchester United and Liverpool, chasing Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi. The 18-year-old Morocco international impressed at the World Cup, where his side reached the quarter-finals. But Lille president Olivier Letang has warned that the teenager will not come cheap.
“Arsenal's midfield targets Ayyoub Bouaddi and Bruno Guimaraes face £100m price tag and Newcastle's refusal to sell.”
"Many clubs are interested in him, but very few can afford him right now," Letang told Eurosport. "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." Letang pointed to the fees for Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali, both older and with less potential, to argue that Bouaddi's value exceeds £100m. That figure is a sharp increase from earlier reports that valued the midfielder – who has three years left on his contract – at £60m.
Arsenal's second midfield target, Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes, appears equally difficult to secure. The Gunners have already had a verbal offer rejected, and while representatives of the 28-year-old have been in contact with both clubs, Newcastle have made clear they will not sell. Eddie Howe has already allowed Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali to leave this summer, and the club has "slammed shut" the door on any further departures of key players.
With Bouaddi priced beyond all but the richest suitors and Guimaraes off limits, Arteta's midfield renovation is facing a roadblock. The Spaniard must decide whether to meet Lille's demands or look elsewhere – a decision that could shape Arsenal's title defence.