Midfield Rebuild Takes Shape
Manchester City are closing in on the signature of Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, with the club reportedly "on the verge" of agreeing a deal with the French side. The move would represent the fifth addition of a busy summer at the Etihad.
According to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, who posted on his X account, negotiations between the two clubs are advancing. It is understood that talks have been ongoing for some time, with Maresca's side having tracked the Moroccan international for a while.
The news will come as little surprise to those who have followed City's recruitment this window. The club have already moved early and decisively in the market, and this latest pursuit suggests the midfield rebuild is far from complete.
Bouaddi, at 19, fits the profile of a player bought with one eye on the future. Whether he is expected to contribute immediately or is seen as a longer-term project remains to be seen, but the direction of travel appears clear.
For now, the focus is on getting the deal over the line. If Romano's update is accurate, City supporters may not have to wait long for official confirmation.