Despite winning the Premier League title for the first time in more than two decades, Arsenal look set to be busy in the transfer market this summer.
The Gunners had finished as runners-up three times in a row before Mikel Arteta guided them to the title this term.
The north London side had also reached the final of both the Carabao Cup and the Champions League, but were beaten by Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain respectively.
Despite the summer transfer window not officially opening until June 15, discussions are already taking place and agreements are being made.
Now, it has emerged that Arsenal have had a huge offer for a Ligue 1 midfielder rejected.
According to Africa Foot, via TEAMtalk, the Gunners have had a bid worth around £51 million for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi rejected by the Ligue 1 side.
The report suggests that Arsenal’s opening offer for the 18-year-old has been dismissed, although he remains a ‘top priority’ for the Gunners.
Bouaddi has been the subject of a £51 million bid from Arsenal (Photo: DPPI Media/Alamy)
The Premier League champions could face fierce competition for the teenager’s signature, though, with Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United all also credited with an interest.
Bouaddi joined Lille as a youngster and has since progressed into the first team, playing 96 times for the club at senior level, including 63 Ligue 1 appearances.
He has built a reputation as one of the most promising young midfielders in the French top flight, and his impressive form earned him a place in the Morocco squad for the World Cup in North America this summer.
The youngster has more than three years remaining on his current contract with Lille, however, which could put the Ligue 1 side in a commanding position during any potential negotiations over a sale.