After impressing Arsenal scouts, ‘glowing’ talent now nominated for huge award alongside Lamine Yamal

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In addition to the clever signings Arsenal are making for their first team right now, sporting director Andrea Berta is also looking towards the future.

TBR Football understands that Arsenal have made an approach to sign Jeremy Jacquet from Stade Rennais recently, even if the centre-back looks poised to stay in France.

But Arsenal aren’t just looking at Jacquet, there are also several other young talents that are potentially being lined up to work with Mikel Arteta in the future.

And back in March of this year, it was revealed that Arsenal were seriously impressed by Ayyoub Bouaddi, another young French talent playing in Ligue 1.

17-year-old Bouaddi has already made 54 appearances for Lille’s senior side in midfield – a testament to the youngster’s talent. 

Ayyoub Bouaddi nominated for Kopa Trophy after interest from Arsenal

That being said, Bouaddi has now been nominated for the Ballon d’Or Kopa Trophy award.

The accolade is awarded to the best performing player worldwide under the age of 21, and it is presented in a joint ceremony with the Ballon d’Or.

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And in line with Premier League scouts being impressed with Bouaddi’s ‘glowing’ talent, the youngster has made the list alongside the likes of Lamine Yamal.

Of course, Arsenal fans will be delighted that Myles Lewis-Skelly has also been shortlisted for the award, an 18-year-old who was brilliant in his breakthrough season at the Emirates.

Lewis-Skelly was incredible against Real Madrid in April, and the youngster’s performances have been impossible to ignore.

In recent years, Ethan Nwaneri was always considered the biggest talent emerging from the Hale End Academy, however, Lewis-Skelly has now leapfrogged his good friend somewhat.

Bouaddi is likely to leave Lille in 2026

In terms of Bouaddi’s progress at Lille, TBR Football understands that Arsenal still admire the midfielder’s talent.

But they are not alone – the majority of the Premier League big-hitters are keeping tabs on the youngster and he does seem likely to take his next step in 2026.

And whilst Arsenal have signed Christian Norgaard and Martin Zubimendi this summer, there is still space in their midfield ranks for a talent of Bouaddi’s standing.

Interestingly, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Joao Neves was also nominated for the Kopa Trophy alongside Bouaddi.

And Arsenal must regret not signing Neves, a midfield maestro who was a big reason why PSG managed to beat Arteta’s side in the Champions League last term.