Arsenal and Liverpool have met with representatives of Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi as Premier League interest in the teenager continues to grow.
The 18-year-old impressed for Morocco in their World Cup opener, a draw against Brazil on Saturday, producing one of the standout performances of the match.
Having previously represented France at youth level before switching allegiance to Morocco, Bouaddi delivered a composed display in only his fourth senior appearance for the Atlas Lions.
The midfielder won nine ground duels and completed three dribbles against a Brazil side featuring experienced central midfielders Bruno Guimaraes and Casemiro.
Bouaddi has already made close to 100 appearances for Lille after debuting at the age of 16, and his rapid development has drawn attention from several of Europe’s leading clubs.
Premier League clubs make direct approach for Bouaddi
Fabrizio Romano has reported that Arsenal and Liverpool have made direct contact with Bouaddi’s camp, with both clubs meeting representatives of the player as they explore a potential move to the Premier League.
Paris Saint-Germain are also monitoring the Moroccan international, and Lille are fully aware of the level of demand for their young midfielder.
The Ligue 1 club are believed to value Bouaddi at approximately €70m (£60.4m), with hopes that competition for his signature could push the final fee beyond the £72m club-record sale of Nicolas Pepe to Arsenal in 2019.
Lille are reportedly more open to selling Bouaddi to a club outside France, aiming to avoid strengthening a direct domestic rival.