Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has urged his former club and Arsenal to snap up Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi following his impressive performances at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

Bouaddi, 18, was a key player as the Atlas Lions reached back-to-back World Cup quarter-finals before losing 2-0 to France on Thursday (July 9). Having played the full 90 minutes in the campaign-opening 1-1 draw with Brazil and the 1-0 victory over Scotland, the teenager was rested for the final group game against Haiti.

The LOSC Lille man returned for the knockouts, playing 79 minutes in the Round of 32 shootout win over three-time finalists Netherlands. He then featured for 63 minutes in the Round of 16 victory over co-hosts Canada and for over an hour in the quarter-final defeat to Les Bleus.

Discussing the probable signings for the Gunners and United this summer, Ferdinand urged both to go for Bouaddi for his ability to control the pace of games (as per Arsenal Insider):

Contracted to Lille till 2029, the Arsenal and Manchester United target has played 42 times across competitions last season, recording an impressive pass % of over 85.

Both Manchester United and Arsenal will be represented at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada as the semi-finals commence tonight (July 14) with France taking on Spain at Dallas Stadium, Arlngton.

Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford's United take on Lisandro Martinez's Argentina in the second semi-final in Atlanta tomorrow. Meanwhle, in the first semi-final, the Gunners quartet of Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and Buakyo Saka will take on their club teammates Martin Zubimendi, David Raya and Mikel Merino's Spain.

France are looking to reach a third straight final, winning in 2018 and losing to Argentina on penalties four years later. Meanwhile, the Albiceleste are looking to become the first team in more than 60 years to successfully defend their FIFA World Cup title.

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