Liverpool and Arsenal are both ready to make a key concession in their pursuit of Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, according to reports.
The 18-year-old has been one of the breakout stars of reports that both clubs are ‘reluctantly’ prepared to accept that demand.
While the Reds, the Gunners and City are all keen to sign the youngster ahead of the new domestic campaign, they are willing to compromise if it means they can secure his services.
The report adds that Lille will demand close to £100m for a player who has made just seven senior international appearances, so agreeing to the season-long loan would reduce the short-term benefit of such a huge outlay.
However, it would also be a long-term investment for Liverpool and Arsenal – both of whom have already set their sights on the next generation of stars this summer.
The Premier League rivals have both reportedly shown interest in 17-year-old Mexico midfielder Gilberto Mora, while Arsenal were also in the running for Leicester City winger Jeremy Monga, who turns 17 today, although City appear to have hijacked the deal.
Bouaddi is further along in his development than both players, although he would cost considerably more.
The teenager first appeared for Lille three days after he turned 16 and made his Champions League debut on his 17th birthday.
He has long been monitored by some of Europe’s top clubs and the willingness of Liverpool and Arsenal to loan him back to Lille shows the regard in which he is held across the continent.