Midfield rebuild continues
Manchester City sources have indicated that further midfield reinforcements remain possible this summer, even after the club-record arrival of Elliot Anderson.
The need to build a deeper and more dynamic midfield unit has become more pressing since Bernardo Silva's departure to Real Madrid at the end of his contract. Silva, a long-serving figure and club legend, leaves a significant gap in the middle of the park.
Internal concerns about the squad's ability to cope with another demanding season across multiple competitions have pushed recruitment staff to consider more than just one addition in central midfield. Anderson brings Premier League experience and box-to-box qualities, but Enzo Maresca's system is thought to require players who can control tempo and offer positional flexibility.
According to ESPN's Rob Dawson, sources are adamant that City have not closed the door on another midfield signing this summer, despite the significant outlay on Anderson.
Bouaddi on the radar
Officials at the Etihad are said to be tracking Lille's 18-year-old Moroccan international Ayyoub Bouaddi. The French club are aware of interest from England and elsewhere across Europe, and have reportedly set an €80 million valuation on the teenager, who is under contract until June 2028.
City could look to reduce any fee by allowing Bouaddi to remain at Lille on loan for the 2026/27 season, though it is unclear whether the club views the move as an immediate priority.
Other reports suggest internal discussions have taken place about how to give Bouaddi enough game time if he were to join this summer, including the possibility of deploying him at right-back in certain matches.