Midfield Overhaul Takes Shape
Manchester City's summer of transition shows no signs of slowing. With Rodri's £65.4 million departure to Barcelona and Bernardo Silva's free move to Real Madrid, the club has already lost two pillars of their midfield engine room. Tijjani Reijnders, after just one season in England, has also headed for the exit, joining Saudi side Al Qadsiah.
In response, City have broken their transfer record to land Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million up-front. But the business is far from done.
Fernandez Still in the Frame
Despite the heavy spend on Anderson, City remain prepared to bid for Enzo Fernandez. Chelsea value the Argentina international at around £120 million, a figure that would once again test City's willingness to splash out on a single player.
The pursuit of a second midfielder, however, is not a one-horse race.
Bouaddi Talks Advance
Advanced talks are underway with Lille over Ayyoub Bouaddi, the 18-year-old Morocco international who could be had for a fee in the region of £85 million. That would represent another significant outlay, but the teenager's potential appears to have convinced City to move quickly.
Elsewhere, an enquiry has been lodged for Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, while AS Roma's Manu Kone is under consideration. Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister is also appreciated by the club, though prising him from Anfield would be a different matter entirely.
Bournemouth's Alex Scott was the subject of an approach last month, only for the Cherries to rebuff a £64 million bid from Chelsea and insist the midfielder is not for sale.
Two In Before the Deadline
City are expected to bring in two midfielders between now and the September 1 deadline. With the squad already reshaped by significant departures, the next few weeks will define the direction of Maresca's midfield for the season ahead.