AJ Auxerre have declined an approach from Arsenal for Morocco’s highly rated U17 international Elyes Saïdi, with the French club intent on keeping one of their most promising academy players.
Reports from Africafoot indicate that Arsenal explored the possibility of bringing the teenager into their reserve set-up, but Auxerre immediately dismissed the inquiry and refused to open discussions.
Club officials are convinced the 17-year-old holds the potential to break into their senior squad and believe allowing him to leave at such an early stage would hinder his development.
Saïdi has already spent time in several established French academies, including Olympique de Marseille and Toulon, before joining Auxerre in 2023.
His progress since arriving at the club has reinforced the internal view that he is a key part of their long-term plans.
He has made six appearances across Auxerre’s reserve and U19 teams this season.
While he is yet to register a goal or assist at club level, his performances have strengthened expectations about his future trajectory.
His reputation grew substantially during the U17 World Cup, where he finished as the tournament’s top creator with three assists.
His composure, vision, and control of matches drew widespread praise and bolstered Auxerre’s confidence in his ability to climb through their ranks.
Saïdi began structured training in 2015 after joining his first club in southern France at the age of seven.
His move to Auxerre on a free transfer two years ago has since proved an important acquisition for a club eager to develop homegrown talent capable of shaping its senior squad.
Auxerre now shift focus to their upcoming Ligue 1 meeting with Lyon.
