What happened: Fabrizio Romano says Liverpool are in talks to sign Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, the Moroccan international teenager, and have already held two meetings over a possible deal. Speaking on the Born and Red YouTube channel, Romano said any move hinges on Lille's asking price. Arsenal and PSG are also pursuing the player, complicating Liverpool's position.
Why it matters: Liverpool have long been working a midfield rebuild, with the club still lacking a true holding option since Fabinho's exit and Curtis Jones understood to be angling for a move. Landing a young No. 6 like Bouaddi would address a structural gap, but interest from Arsenal and PSG raises both the price and the risk of losing out.
By the numbers: Liverpool have scouted Bouaddi for close to a year, per Romano, and are one of three Premier League and continental heavyweights now in the race alongside Arsenal and PSG. The reported sticking point is Lille's valuation rather than player willingness.
What to watch: Watch whether Liverpool firm up a formal bid and how Lille set their valuation, with Arsenal and PSG positioned to drive the price higher.