Manchester City's search for midfield reinforcements has taken a couple of turns. Sandro Tonali is off the table, while Eduardo Camavinga has been offered as a potential alternative.
The Athletic's David Ornstein has reported that Newcastle's Italian midfielder is set to complete a £100 million move to Tottenham after the two clubs reached an agreement. That ends any lingering hope City might have had of landing Tonali this summer.
Attention now appears to have shifted to the Real Madrid squad.
Matteo Moretto, writing for Marca, reports that City have held talks with the Spanish club over Eduardo Camavinga, with new Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho having approved the Frenchman's sale this summer. Mourinho, it's said, has not been impressed with Camavinga's performances in recent seasons.
Fitness concerns
Camavinga is versatile — he can play in midfield or at left-back — and technically gifted. He carries the ball well, reads the game and is exceptional in a challenge. On paper, he could play a role in Enzo Maresca's squad.
But there are red flags. Camavinga doesn't have a set position, which can count against a player. Unless Maresca has a specific role in mind, it's hard to see where he fits beyond being a squad option. Real Madrid are unlikely to sell cheaply either.
The biggest concern, though, is his injury record. Camavinga has been plagued by fitness issues throughout his career, and that alone could be enough for City to say thanks but no thanks.
Marca also reports that City remain interested in Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi. Talks have been held, and the club are still deciding whether to sign him immediately or loan him back to Lille for the 2026-27 season.
City have already added Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest this summer, but the midfield rebuild is clearly not finished yet.