Ayoub El Kaabi, a Moroccan striker and Olympiacos international forward, was linked with Marseille based on a recommendation from the club's technical director, Mehdi Benatia, who was a former teammate of the striker. However, according to information from France, the French club has not shown interest and does not have El Kaabi on its list.

Africafoot reports that Marseille's technical director, Mehdi Benatia, has a strong interest in Ayoub El Kaabi to strengthen the club's attack. The two Moroccans were teammates in the national team at the 2018 World Cup.

Recent reports from France state that Marseille is interested in purchasing El Kaabi in the next winter transfer period.

Reports link 32-year-old Moroccan forward Ayoub El Kaabi to Marseille, Nantes, and clubs from other countries, while his future is a topic of discussion in publications. El Kaabi is a player for Olympiacos Piraeus, which he joined in August 2023. His contract is valid until June 30, 2026. According to Transfermarkt, his current market value is €5.00m. He has scored 29 goals in 60 appearances for Morocco and has started the 2025/2026 season with 8 goals and 1 assist in 10 league matches.