Manchester City and Real Madrid are at a standoff over Rodri's proposed switch to the Bernabeu, according to journalist Luca Cerchione. The two clubs have yet to find common ground, with the midfielder's future hanging in the balance as pre-season approaches.

Enzo Maresca's side are holding their ground on a €75m (£64m) asking price for the Spanish international. That valuation has not been met, and Real have not improved on their opening offer.

Cerchione reports that the negotiations have hit a wall. Madrid's initial bid remains on the table, and City have shown no inclination to lower their demands.

For now, the ball sits with the Spanish giants. They must decide whether to match the Blues' valuation or walk away from a deal that has dragged on through the summer.

Rodri's situation adds another layer of intrigue to a window already shaped by departures. Bernardo Silva and John Stones have left the club, and Maresca is reshaping his squad ahead of a season that begins on 23rd August.

City's first pre-season fixture against Inter Milan on 1st August looms. Whether Rodri is part of that squad remains to be seen.

The stalemate leaves a cloud over the midfield. Madrid's next move will determine how this saga concludes.

Manchester City are staring at the prospect of losing Rodri this summer, with Real Madrid closing in on the midfielder's signature. The Blues are unlikely to command the fee their star deserves, according to former City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who has told Football Insider that the club should be holding out for upwards of £85million.

Instead, the reality looks rather different. Borson suggests City are prepared to accept around €75m (£64.1m), possibly even €70m (£59.8m), as the Spain international enters the final 12 months of his contract at the Etihad.

That gap between value and offer is stark.

Casemiro comparison

Borson draws a direct parallel with Casemiro's move to Manchester United. That deal saw £60m paid upfront with £10m in add-ons, for a player of a similar age and contract situation. The comparison does not flatter City's negotiating position.

"In my view, the right number would be €100m (£85m), but it doesn't look like City are asking for that, and I would expect him to go, unfortunately."

The direction of travel is clear. Real Madrid have made no secret of their interest in the 30-year-old Ballon d'Or winner, with Jose Mourinho a notable admirer. The increasing consensus is that Rodri will make the switch this summer, even if a contract extension has not been fully ruled out.

Borson is resigned to the outcome.

"The direction of travel is that he will go. Man City seem to be happy at around €75m (£64.1m), maybe €70m (£59.8m)."

Maresca's stance

Enzo Maresca is well aware of what he would be losing. The City manager has been unequivocal about Rodri's importance, calling him a top player any manager in the world would want. Yet he also acknowledged the practicalities, noting that Rodri needs his holiday before the gruelling schedule begins.

"It's very important. Any manager in the world wants Rodri because he's a top player."

The arrival of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest should soften the blow, but it would still be a painful farewell for supporters. Whether City truly push for a better fee or accept a favour to a loyal servant remains to be seen. Either way, the clock is ticking.

Enzo Maresca takes charge of Manchester City for the first time today, and he has wasted no time putting his stamp on the side. The Blues face Inter Milan at the Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong, their first preseason friendly of the summer, with a starting eleven that looks anything but experimental.

Maresca has only had just under two weeks with his squad, yet he has named a strong lineup for the occasion. Gianluigi Donnarumma starts in goal, with Rico Lewis at right-back and Stephen Mfuni on the left. Abdukodir Khusanov and Josko Gvardiol form the centre-back pairing, while Mateo Kovacic and Tijjani Reijnders anchor the midfield.

Further forward, Phil Foden captains the side, with Savinho, Antoine Semenyo and young striker Divin Mubama given the nod up front. It is a bold selection, and one that suggests Maresca wants to hit the ground running.

Eyes on Lewis and Mfuni

Rico Lewis starts at right-back, and it will be interesting to see if he plays as an inverted right-back in today’s match. Stephen Mfuni looks set to start at left-back, and will be fascinating to see how he goes in the role. Both players have a point to prove in this new setup.

It is only a friendly, but the first team sheet of a new era always carries a bit of weight. Maresca has picked a side that says he means business from the off.

Paul Merson has stirred the pot in his latest Sky Sports column, suggesting City could let Rodri leave this summer. The pundit points to the £116m arrival of Elliot Anderson as the reason the Blues might be willing to part with their midfield anchor.

Merson doesn't see how the two fit together.

Writing in his Sky Sports column, he said he couldn't work out how Rodri and Anderson would share the same midfield. The logic being that with Anderson's price tag, City may have already planned for life after the Portuguese international.

“Rodri is the best in the business at ticking it over,” Merson wrote.

That praise doesn't stop him from suggesting City could cope without him, though. The claim is bold, especially given Rodri's importance in recent seasons, but Merson seems convinced that Anderson's arrival changes the equation.

Whether City actually sell remains to be seen, but Merson has thrown a genuine talking point into a quiet July.

Manchester City have flexed their financial muscle in the youth market once again, beating Arsenal to the signatures of both Jeremy Monga and Mishel Nduka. Wages proved the decisive factor in both pursuits, with the Blues making clear their spending power extends far beyond the senior squad.

The 17-year-old Monga arrives from Leicester City in a deal worth £10 million, signing a five-year contract to 2031. Arsenal had been leading the race for the winger before City intervened at the 11th hour, with the Gunners unwilling to match the valuation Leicester placed on a player whose 37 senior appearances, including seven in the Premier League, had made him one of the most coveted teenage talents in English football.

Nduka's move is arguably more pointed. The 16-year-old joins from Arsenal's Hale End academy, having spent just a single season at the north London club after arriving from Charlton Athletic in September 2025.

According to Isaan Khan of Mail Sport, Nduka's deal at City includes a salary of £20,000 per week, putting him on approximately £1 million per year and significantly outstripping what Arsenal were prepared to offer a player leaving their own academy system. Monga, meanwhile, is understood to be on considerably more, reflecting the higher-profile nature of a signing that comes with a £10 million transfer fee attached.

Viana's blueprint

Both signings reflect a broader strategic approach from director of football Hugo Viana, who has shown a willingness to invest at scholarship level that Arsenal, despite their long-standing reputation as one of England's foremost developers of young talent, have been unwilling to match when it comes to wages for academy-age players.

The wage figures underline a financial dynamic in the academy market that City have been willing to exploit where rivals have hesitated. The club's backing of the brightest emerging talent at scholarship level carries a premium that is now visibly reshaping the landscape of domestic youth recruitment.

Arsenal's difficulty in retaining players developed within their own Hale End system, losing Nduka to a rival club after just one season, raises pointed questions about whether the north London club's wage structures at academy level are aligned with the ambitions they hold for their development pipeline.

A summer of movement

The signings of Monga and Nduka continue a summer in which City's recruitment team has moved decisively across multiple age groups simultaneously. The focus on long-term development asset acquisition runs in parallel to the senior window activity that has produced the £116 million arrival of Elliot Anderson.

Monga's trajectory is among the most remarkable in recent English football. The teenager became the third-youngest Premier League player ever during a debut season at Leicester that defied reasonable expectation for a player of his age. His arrival in the City Football Academy gives Enzo Maresca's coaching structure one of the most explosive young wide players available anywhere within the Premier League's academy system.

Nduka, meanwhile, represents a different kind of addition. He is a player still at the earliest stages of his development, but one whom City's scouts have identified as possessing the attributes to flourish within the same environment that produced Phil Foden, Nico O'Reilly and Ryan McAidoo.

The wages City are prepared to offer both players reflect a calculation that has served Viana and his predecessors well: investing heavily at the point of entry is the most reliable way to secure elite young talent before rivals can mobilise. The financial commitment required is a fraction of what correcting a missed opportunity costs further down the line.

The twin captures have sent a clear message about the financial ambition underpinning City's recruitment operation at every level of the game. The wage advantage over domestic rivals extends well beyond the senior market, and Arsenal, for all their famed youth development, have been left to ponder what might have been.

Sandro Tonali has explained why he joined Tottenham this summer, revealing that his mind was made up within a quarter of an hour of speaking with the club. The 26-year-old left Newcastle United in the current transfer window, ending a spell that had drawn interest from a number of Premier League sides.

Manchester City had been tracking the Italy international closely, with director of football Hugo Viana among those who assessed him as a possible piece in the midfield rebuild being directed by Enzo Maresca. Yet City never moved to a formal offer, and Tonali has now detailed how Spurs won the race for his signature.

According to the player, the decisive factor was the approach taken by Tottenham's representatives. He said he spoke with two teams, but the clarity of the pitch from the north London club stood out.

They spoke with 100 per cent passion, 100 per cent seriousness. Roberto and the director made the difference to the deal.

Tonali also credited his wife, who he said encouraged him to trust his own judgement in the process.

After the last season, I spoke with my wife. We wanted to change our life. I spoke after two minutes with my wife and my family and I said, 'Probably it will be one of my best decisions of my career.' She told me, 'You have 100 per cent the control over this decision.'

He added that he understood after 10 or 15 minutes that Tottenham would be his next team.

What it means for City's plans

For City, the failure to land Tonali has not derailed their summer business. The £116 million signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest addressed the most urgent need in the Blues' midfield, while the club continues to pursue Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille.

That chase has been taken seriously at the highest level, with CEO Ferran Soriano understood to have held a personal meeting with Lille president Olivier Létang to advance talks. The Tonali interest may be over, but the rebuild rolls on.

Phil Foden has signed a contract extension with Manchester City that runs until the summer of 2030, a move that lands ahead of the club's preseason tour of Asia. The FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders are clearly backing the 26-year-old to rediscover his best form, despite a difficult campaign that saw him fall down the pecking order under Pep Guardiola.

The deal is a significant statement of intent from the Blues.

A Season of Two Halves

Foden was among City's best performers early in the 2025-26 season, with his move into midfield paying off as he looked at home in a new role. Yet that form did not hold. In an in-depth interview with Simon Bajkowski for The Manchester Evening News, Foden reflected on what went wrong.

"It was like a season of two halves for me. I think the first half of it was really good. I performed quite well and in the second half I couldn’t really get going and then get a lot of game time."

He added: "Obviously I’m an adaptable player as well, so it doesn’t help sometimes when you’re changing a lot of positions and it’s hard to maintain the performance of one position, but sometimes it just happens. It’s football. People who were playing in front of me was performing very well as well. And sometimes that’s just the way it is."

World Cup Omission Stings

The drop-off had consequences. Foden missed out on selection for England's 2026 World Cup squad, a bitter blow after two seasons in which his performances drew criticism. But the midfielder has come out the other side determined to use the doubters as fuel.

"You’ve got to take it with a pinch of salt and then just try and react and prove people wrong and that’s all you can do really. A fresh start now and hopefully that doesn’t happen again," he said.

City's Backing

City have maintained faith in Foden, and the contract extension is a big indication they will do all they can to help him turn the corner. The club know that when Foden is in supreme form, they become a different beast for opponents to handle.

A hungry, determined and motivated Foden, entering the prime years of his career, could be one of the stars of the 2026-27 season. The platform is set; now it is up to the man himself to deliver.

Manchester City are ready to move for Everton's Iliman Ndiaye if Savinho completes a switch to Tottenham Hotspur before the new campaign gets under way. That is the word from Stefan Borson, the former City financial adviser, who has told Football Insider the Blues are keen on the Senegal international as a direct replacement for the Brazilian winger.

Savinho, 22, has been linked with an exit from the Etihad for some time, but the move to North London appears to have stalled. Once it is finally pushed through, Enzo Maresca could turn his attention to the Toffees' No.10, who is also being strongly linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.

Al Hilal are understood to be pushing for Ndiaye's signature, though the player's father has publicly criticised the recent speculation. The 26-year-old has made no secret of his desire to play Champions League football, and City would certainly be able to offer that this season.

Borson backs the Blues to pounce

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson tipped City to make a move for Ndiaye once Savinho's sale goes through. He said: "I do think that the other teams would be interested. Man City, in particular, like the player."

He added: "And if City were to sell Savinho, maybe they would be interested in him. Savinho does look like he will eventually go to Spurs."

Borson also weighed in on the potential fee, suggesting a bidding war could drive the price up. "If they could get a bidding war going, £70m these days is not enormous, is it? And some people would say, 'Well, [Crysencio] Summerville went for, let's say £55m plus add-ons'," he said.

"So £70m would be above that. On any of these deals, you need a bit of competitive tension to get the best price. They need a couple of teams that are pushing the price up."

Grealish complication and Everton's own plans

Everton, meanwhile, are already eyeing a replacement for Ndiaye. Keith Wyness told Football Insider that Bologna's Jonathan Rowe, formerly of Norwich City, is being viewed as a potential option.

The Toffees will also want to get a deal for City's Jack Grealish across the line, but that could be made more difficult by UEFA's 45-day rule if Ndiaye goes the other way. A busy end to the window, then, for both clubs.

Manchester City's first preseason friendly kicks off later today, with Enzo Maresca's side taking on Inter Milan at the Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong. It is the first chance to see the new-look Blues in competitive action, and the starting lineup will reflect a squad stripped of its World Cup contingent.

Plenty of senior players are still on holiday after the 2026 World Cup, which means the Asia tour doubles as an extended audition for the academy.

McAidoo speaks ahead of the Inter clash

Ryan McAidoo is one of the youngsters hoping to catch the eye. The dynamic winger spoke to mancity.com yesterday and made no secret of his excitement about facing Inter. He called it a dream opportunity to test himself against such a formidable opponent.

“We are all talented academy players in different ways and the older players have helped us a lot to keep up with the intensity and do the right things on and off the pitch. We are so grateful to them.”

The gratitude is mutual, in a sense. With so many first-team regulars absent, Maresca will lean on the next generation to carry the load.

Academy names set for minutes

McAidoo is not alone. Divine Mukasa, Claudio Echeverri, Stephen Mfuni, Max Alleyne, Vitor Reis, Xavier Parker, Jaden Heskey and Mahamadou Sangare are all expected to get game time under the new manager.

That is a serious wedge of young talent to throw into a match against European opposition. Inter are no pushovers, and this will be a proper examination of where City's youth ranks stand.

A winger's window

McAidoo comes across as eager to impress, and the timing works in his favour. City need a right winger, and he looks ready to step up from the EDS level.

“As young players you all want to play in the highest level of games, it’s what we dream of. So hopefully we all get our opportunity to show what we can do against Inter.”

That quote does the rounds on its own. The kid wants the ball, and tonight he might just get it.

Manchester City's pursuit of Ayyoub Bouaddi has hit the familiar sound of a club president setting out his stall. Lille's Olivier Létang has spoken publicly about the 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder, and the message is clear: Bouaddi stays unless the price is right.

Létang acknowledged that big clubs are circling, singling out one that wears sky blue as a genuine suitor. But he was just as quick to insist that Bouaddi will be playing for Lille next season.

'I told you last time that I thought Ayyoub (Bouaddi) was going to stay with us, and I still stand by that. The idea remains the same: to have a competitive team. If clubs come in at the end of the transfer window for a particular position and we're not in a position to replace the player, then we won't go ahead with the deal.'

That is the nub of it. City want the player now, but Lille want him back on loan for the 2026-27 campaign. Létang is not budging on that front either.

Player's stance

According to the Lille chief, Bouaddi himself is in no rush to leave. 'We're in regular contact with Ayyoub (Bouaddi); he's not in a hurry to leave, and he's very keen to stay here too,' Létang said.

That chimes with the story so far. Reports from Santi Aouna and Hanif Berkane suggested Bouaddi was eager to join the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders, and that a deal was close. But the loan-back issue has always been the sticking point.

Price tag

Létang has also reiterated the €100 million asking price for the Moroccan international. City will likely have to pay a premium if they want this one over the line.

Negotiations are ongoing, and a deal isn't far off according to the latest reports. But with Létang playing hardball, this one could run and run.

Manchester City have brought in four players so far this summer, yet the picture for the coming season remains far from clear. Elliot Anderson, Pierce Charles, Jeremy Monga and Mathys Detourbet have all signed, but only Anderson would be considered a first-team addition for the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders. The other three are prospects, not answers.

That leaves the squad looking thin in key areas, and the manager knows it.

Maresca's admission in Hong Kong

Speaking yesterday in Hong Kong ahead of today's pre-season friendly against Inter Milan, Enzo Maresca used his first pre-game press conference as City boss to confirm the club are still active in the market. He said:

'We are talking with Hugo and the club about some targets. It is a normal situation when the transfer window is open – anything can happen. For sure, we are going to do something but we are looking at different positions.'

No specifics, no names. Just a clear signal that work is ongoing.

The known gaps

The areas City want to strengthen are no secret. Another right-back is needed, along with one or possibly two midfielders, and another winger. Whether the midfield requirement is one or two depends on what happens with Rodri, whose future remains unresolved.

That is a significant variable. If Rodri stays, the list shrinks; if he goes, the club are chasing two bodies in the engine room.

The transfer window does not close until Monday, September 1, so there is time. But time does not guarantee the right deals get done.

An unknown entity

Right now, this City squad is an unknown entity. New manager, new signings still to arrive, and a core that has already lost Bernardo Silva and John Stones this summer. The team that lines up against Inter today will not be the team that starts the Premier League season on 23rd August.

Maresca's admission, though, is a reassurance of sorts. The club know what they need, and they are working on it. The hard part is converting that into signings before the window slams shut.

Tomorrow marks the official start of the Enzo Maresca era at Manchester City. The Blues face Serie A champions Inter Milan at the Kai Tak Sports Park in a preseason friendly — and while the result will count for nothing, there is plenty to keep an eye on.

Maresca faced the media earlier today and was asked what he wanted to see from his new team in Hong Kong. His answer was clear: new concepts, new ideas, and a first glimpse of what this squad might look like under his management.

"Now we introduce some new concepts, and we want to see something tomorrow. That's the most important thing."

He added: "Tomorrow is the first game. Always it is an opportunity to improve, to get better. We are now in a process where it is important to play these kinds of games, for the physical condition. We are happy to be here, to train here and play the game tomorrow. Every manager can bring something different. It is my target – my duty – to introduce new ideas."

Given that Maresca has only had ten days with his squad, nobody expects a fully formed tactical revolution. And with a host of key players unavailable, the starting eleven will not resemble his strongest lineup. That opens the door for a number of City's young players to make an impression — one of the more intriguing subplots of the afternoon.

There is also the question of how different Maresca's City will look from Pep Guardiola's. The similarities between the two managers' footballing philosophies mean the tactical changes are likely to be subtle rather than stark. Maresca himself acknowledged the legacy he is building on, describing it as his duty to bring new concepts to a team already well-versed in Guardiola's way.

Semenyo's early verdict

One man who has already had a taste of the new regime is Antoine Semenyo. The Ghana international spoke with mancity.com earlier this week and was glowing in his assessment of the new boss.

"Very good, very detailed. He's got an eye for detail and he wants everything to be right, which is quite similar to Pep. That's good for us as players so we've enjoyed it so far."

High praise, and a useful sign that the transition is going smoothly behind the scenes. The real test begins tomorrow, though — even if the scoreboard won't tell us much.

Antoine Semenyo has given City fans their first real glimpse of what pre-season under Enzo Maresca looks like, and the early verdict is encouraging. The 26-year-old forward, who arrived from AFC Bournemouth in January 2026, has been speaking about the transition from one meticulous coach to another.

He scored 15 Premier League goals for the Cherries in the first half of the season before making the move to Manchester. Since then, he has contributed seven goals in 13 appearances across all competitions, helping City claim the EFL Cup and FA Cup before the campaign concluded.

World Cup duty and a proper break

Semenyo then represented Ghana at the FIFA World Cup in North America, with the Black Stars progressing to the Round of 32 before their elimination from the tournament. That meant a truncated summer, but the forward insists he is ready to go again.

My body feels good. I like to think I'm well rested.

The manager gave me a couple of weeks to relax and reset, he added. That suggests Maresca is managing workloads carefully, even for a player who only arrived six months ago.

Similar to Pep

Asked for his assessment of Maresca's training sessions, Semenyo was emphatic.

Very good, very detailed. He's got an eye for detail and he wants everything to be right, which is quite similar to Pep.

That comparison will reassure supporters who feared a drastic stylistic shift. Semenyo also touched on the scale of the club he now represents.

The club are global and have a lot of fans.

He's not wrong. And if his early numbers are anything to go by, those fans will be seeing plenty more of him in the months ahead.

The Brazilian forward's request to leave Manchester City this summer was already shaping up to be one of the more straightforward transfer stories of the window. Tottenham had been the constant presence, the name that kept surfacing whenever the 22-year-old's future was discussed. Now, with Juventus entering the picture, the picture is no longer quite so simple.

According to Italian newspaper TuttoMercatoWeb, the Bianconeri are monitoring the winger market. Their interest in Savinho appears conditional, tied to the possibility of one of their existing wide players departing before the window closes. They see the City man as an attractive proposition, with his speed, dribbling, creativity, and ability to create numerical superiority all noted. But it is not yet a concrete pursuit.

Tottenham, by contrast, have been tracking Savinho since last summer. That interest has persisted under Roberto De Zerbi, and the north London club currently appear to be making the most decisive move. They believe this is the right opportunity to bring him to the capital.

Valuation and timing

City are holding out for a fee in the region of £60 million plus add-ons. That figure will not frighten Tottenham, but the competition from Serie A adds a new dimension. The player's own expected wish to stay in England should favour the Premier League side.

Much may depend on how quickly City move to identify a replacement. They have been credited with interest in Paris Saint-Germain's Ibrahim Mbaye and Chelsea's Pedro Neto. Should a suitable incoming winger be lined up, the club's resistance to softening on Savinho's valuation could ease.

For now, all signs continue to point toward Tottenham as the most likely destination. But with Juventus hovering, the next few weeks could get interesting.

Manchester City are in advanced talks with Marseille over a fee for goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, with the two clubs expected to reach an agreement in the near future. A report from France indicates that the 34-year-old Argentina international has become City's preferred option to fill the backup goalkeeper role left vacant by James Trafford's move to Leeds United earlier in the summer.

Rulli wants the move. That much appears clear from the report, and it gives City a useful edge as the two clubs haggle over money.

The figures involved are hardly eye-watering. City's offer stands at around two million euros, while Marseille are seeking approximately three and a half million euros for their goalkeeper. The gap of approximately one and a half million euros between the two positions is modest in the context of the overall deal, and there is a sense that a compromise should not prove too difficult to find.

History at the club

There is a familiar thread here. Rulli previously held a registration with Manchester City during the 2016-17 season, spending that period on loan at Real Sociedad before ultimately departing permanently to the Spanish club. He has been Marseille's first choice since joining from Ajax in August 2024, and his contract at the Stade Vélodrome runs until June 2027.

City need this sorted promptly. The opening pre-season fixture against Inter Milan is set for 1 August, and the goalkeeping picture behind the first choice remains unsettled.

Oliver Whatmuff has already departed for his season-long loan at Stockport County, while Max Chabot is on tour in Asia as an academy trialist. That leaves the squad thin in that department, and the arrival of a senior option like Rulli would offer some much-needed stability.

Whether the fee gap can be bridged before the Inter game is the question. Both sides know what they want, and the player has made his feelings clear. Sometimes these things just need a nudge.

The Premier League's 20 clubs have unanimously voted to send £1.5billion to the EFL over the next decade, a move that one former City adviser describes as both essential and long overdue. Former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson told Football Insider that the time needed to agree the deal is simply "amazing".

It will become a record investment into the wider game.

City, Arsenal and Chelsea are understood to be the biggest contributors, thanks to an increased transfer levy. The division's highest earners would have to pay the most under the proposed redistribution formula, rather than every club paying the same.

Borson: 'Essential' but 'pretty amazing' it took this long

Borson did not hold back when discussing the significance of the agreement. He told Football Insider: "It's essential, first of all. Without it, the whole thing is largely unviable, aside from owner funding. So it's essential and it's essential for the Premier League as well."

He added: "The IFR, the independent regulator, will impose something if they don't agree on something very soon. Everybody needs it to happen."

On the delay, he said: "It's pretty amazing, I think, that it's taken this long."

Borson was equally clear about what is at stake for the lower leagues. "It's completely critical to League One, League Two and the Championship. Without it, I don't know where we'd be."

He explained: "Because this deal, this solidarity payment, allows them to function because the TV deal that they get themselves is just not enough."

Not everyone is happy

Despite such positive reactions to the actions of the Premier League giants, those in the leagues below are not so receptive, to say the least. Some fans have accused the top flight of being "greedy" and a "cartel," one which continues to roll around in money, while the others suffer.

One fan suggested: "Maybe you need to be less greedy. No where near enough. Hope it's rejected & the regulators impose a much fairer funding agreement on the PL. 25% of TV money should go to the EFL. 12.5% to Championship, 7.5% to League 1 & 5% to League 2."

Juventus have made contact with Manchester City about a potential loan deal for midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, according to reports in Italy. The claim comes from La Stampa via TMW, who say the Serie A giants are keen to take the 28-year-old on a temporary basis.

Reijnders, who cost City £46.5 million, is now the subject of interest from Turin. The Italian side have apparently reached out to the Blues to sound out the possibility of a loan.

No further details have emerged about the structure of any deal, or whether City are willing to listen. But the contact has been made, and that in itself tells you where Juventus stand.

There has been no confirmation from City, and no suggestion that Reijnders is pushing for a move. The midfielder remains a senior option in Enzo Maresca's squad, though the arrival of Ayyoub Bouaddi has added another body to the engine room.

City's first pre-season game is against Inter Milan on 1st August. The Premier League season starts on 23rd August.

Between now and then, Maresca will want clarity over his squad. Whether Reijnders stays or goes, the interest from Juventus is real. That much is clear.

John Stones’ move to Inter Milan is now complete, closing a decade at the club. The defender leaves City having won six Premier League titles and the Champions League during his time at the Etihad. It brings an end to a significant chapter for the Blues, who now move on without one of their most experienced figures from the recent era of dominance.

Stones was part of a side that consistently competed on all fronts, and his trophy haul speaks for itself. His departure marks the second major exit of the summer, following Bernardo Silva’s move away from the club.

Real Madrid make their move for Rodri

Meanwhile, Real Madrid have made their first concrete move for Rodri, tabling a verbal offer of around €50m for the midfielder. City are stalling on a response, leaving the situation unresolved as pre-season approaches. The Blues’ first friendly is against Inter Milan on 1st August, with the new Premier League season set to begin on 23rd August.

There has been no decision regarding the 115 charges against City, and the club’s focus appears to be on the squad ahead of the new campaign. Whether Rodri stays remains an open question, but for now, City are in no rush to reply to Madrid’s approach.

Manchester City are closing in on Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, with journalist Fabrizio Romano reporting that the Argentinian international has accepted a contract offer. Romano expects the transfer to be sealed next week, saying: “Geronimo Rulli is close to completing his move to Manchester City.”

The Blues have moved quickly to bolster their goalkeeping options this summer, and Rulli’s arrival would add experienced cover between the posts.

What This Means

With the new season still a few weeks away, City’s recruitment team appear to be ticking off their list of priorities. Rulli’s signing would provide depth in a squad that has seen several departures this summer.

Whether he challenges for the number one spot or slots in as a reliable deputy remains to be seen.

Manchester City and Real Madrid have opened direct talks over the future of Rodri, with the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner now the subject of formal club-to-club dialogue. The move comes after weeks of speculation linking the midfielder with a switch to the Santiago Bernabéu, and the Blues have now made their position clear.

City have informed Madrid that they will not entertain offers below €75 million.

The 30-year-old, who captained Spain to the FIFA World Cup title in North America, is said to be keen on the move. Madrid, for their part, are described as willing to go beyond €50 million — leaving a gap worth roughly £21 million at current exchange rates.

What the reporters say

Patrick Berger of Sky Sports Germany broke the news that the two clubs are now in direct contact. Fabrizio Romano adds that City sense other suitors could yet enter the race, with Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona among those previously tracking the situation.

PSG had already made contact earlier in the window to ask about the conditions of a potential deal.

Rodri remains on post-World Cup rest, so any transfer would not affect his immediate availability. But the structure of this deal — the fee, the add-ons, the timing — is very much a live issue.

City are holding firm at €75 million. Madrid are testing the water. The next move is theirs.

Mateo Kovacic's 2025-26 season was one to forget, marred by a troublesome Achilles issue that limited him to just nine appearances in all competitions for Manchester City. Those outings amounted to a mere 242 minutes on the pitch, a frustrating return for a player of his calibre.

Yet the 2026 FIFA World Cup offered a reminder of his enduring quality. With Croatia, Kovacic delivered a strong campaign, demonstrating that he remains a quality midfielder when fully fit.

What Kovacic Brings

His ability to drive the ball forward with powerful dribbling from midfield, coupled with defence-splitting passing, could be exactly what Enzo Maresca needs to call upon. Kovacic always puts in a shift when called upon, and his effort can never be questioned. There is room for that type of player in the Manchester City squad.

Pairing him with Elliot Anderson, for instance, could allow Kovacic to operate in his preferred midfield role, giving the team a different dimension in the middle of the park.

A Changing Squad

City have lost a host of experienced players already this summer, making Kovacic one of the more senior members of the squad. Given that exodus, his experience could be crucial. Sam Lee reported in the Athletic's Transfer DealSheet segment earlier this week that a summer exit was considered likely, but also noted that Kovacic has one year remaining on his contract.

That contract situation means he could be a useful midfield option for Maresca next season. No one is advocating for Kovacic to become a consistent starter, but as an important squad player, his value is clear.

With his experience and ability, Kovacic may be more important to Enzo Maresca's side than first thought.

Kovacic remains a more than useful midfielder. When the going gets tough, his experience could be something that City turn to next season.

John Stones has found his next home. Inter Milan confirmed on Tuesday that the former City defender has signed on a free transfer, with the 32-year-old agreeing terms until 30 June 2028. There is no option to extend beyond that two-year deal.

The Barnsley-born centre-back left the Etihad on 1 July as a free agent, bringing a decade-long association with the club to a close. His next chapter starts in Milan, where he will earn around €4 million net per season.

A decorated decade

Stones joined City from Everton in August 2016 for an initial £47.5 million. Across 295 official appearances under Pep Guardiola, he collected six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five Carabao Cups, three Community Shields, the Champions League, the European Super Cup and the Club World Cup. His final season delivered one more FA Cup winners' medal.

Internationally, he has 94 England caps, appearances in two European Championship finals and a bronze medal from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

Juventus, Newcastle United and Atletico Madrid were all linked with a move. Inter won the race.

Blues move on

City have already reshaped their defensive options. Marc Guehi arrived earlier in the January window, and Vitor Reis has returned from his Girona loan, giving Enzo Maresca depth at the back.

Stones leaves with a trophy haul few defenders will match. Milan's gain is a reminder of how quickly eras end.

Manchester City have agreed personal terms with Geronimo Rulli on a two-year contract, with negotiations between the club and Marseille still ongoing, as per new reports. The 34-year-old Argentine was identified by director of football Hugo Viana as his preferred option to fill the backup goalkeeper role left vacant by James Trafford's move to Leeds United.

Rulli joins the pursuit as a goalkeeper with a unique prior connection to the Etihad Stadium, having been registered as a Manchester City player during the 2016-17 season before spending the campaign on loan at Real Sociedad in Spain. Any move this summer would be a return to a club he officially once belonged to.

The experienced Argentine has since gone on to represent Villarreal, Ajax and Marseille at the top level, cementing his reputation as a reliable, composed and technically sound shot-stopper who most recently played 29 times across all competitions for Marseille in 2025-26. His contract at Olympique Marseille runs until June 2027, meaning City would be required to pay a transfer fee to bring the deal forward by a year.

As reported by Santi Aouna, Rulli is keen on a move to Manchester City despite Sporting CP also having expressed an interest in the goalkeeper. Aouna adds that Marseille have already received a formal offer from City and that the two clubs are expected to reach an agreement.

Uriel Iugt adds a further layer of clarity, reporting that City have reached an agreement with Rulli over the personal terms of a two-year contract, confirming that the player's side of the negotiation has been resolved.

A Different Profile

Rulli's experience spanning multiple top European leagues and Champions League football with Villarreal, where he saved crucial penalties in their famous 2022 run, makes him a markedly different profile to Gianluigi Donnarumma's young challengers within the academy ranks, and precisely the kind of senior, proven presence Enzo Maresca needs as a reliable number two behind his Argentine compatriot.

The two-year structure of the personal terms agreed is a sensible fit for a 34-year-old goalkeeper joining in a backup capacity, providing City with the security of an experienced option without an overly long-term commitment that could complicate the development pathways of Oliver Whatmuff and the recently arrived Max Chabot as they continue their respective progressions through the club's system.

The summer of 2026 has brought a seismic shift to the Etihad. Pep Guardiola has stepped down as Manchester City’s manager, with Enzo Maresca taking the reins. On top of that, Bernardo Silva, Nathan Ake and John Stones have all departed the club.

That trio’s exit leaves a leadership vacuum that Maresca must fill quickly.

The Captaincy Question

Last season, Guardiola named Bernardo Silva as the club captain, with Ruben Dias, Rodri and Erling Haaland completing the leadership group. Of those four, Silva is now a Real Madrid player, while doubts surround the future of Rodri. That leaves Haaland and Dias as the standout candidates to take the armband.

Both have the pedigree. Both have the respect of the dressing room. But the captaincy is only part of the puzzle.

New Leaders on the Horizon

Maresca will need more than a captain. He needs a leadership group that can set the tone across the pitch. Gianluigi Donnarumma looks to be a prime candidate to step up, as does Marc Guehi. Two new arrivals, both with international experience, both comfortable organising those around them.

Josko Gvardiol has signed a long-term contract extension, and the natural progression for him is to become a leader for his team. Phil Foden is another with the potential to lead in City’s new era. Foden is now a seasoned professional and knows intimately the high standards demanded at City.

The standards expected at the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders have been established by Guardiola, Silva, Stones, Ake and the club legends that have departed before them. Now it falls to a fresh crop to carry that forward.

Pre-season begins with Inter Milan on 1st August. By then, we should have a clearer idea of who Maresca trusts to lead.

Manchester City have agreed personal terms with Ayyoub Bouaddi and are now in advanced talks with Lille over a transfer worth around £86m. The 18-year-old Morocco international is regarded as one of the most exciting talents in Europe's big five leagues, and his arrival would signal a major statement of intent from the new regime at the Etihad.

According to talkSPORT, the Bouaddi deal could be closely linked with Rodri's future. A move for the teenager might pave the way for Rodri to leave City for Real Madrid, a scenario that would bring an end to a remarkable chapter in the club's modern history.

Rodri has played 298 games for City, winning multiple major honours including the treble in 2022/23. This summer he added a World Cup winners' medal with Spain to his collection. Losing a player of that calibre would hurt any side, but City appear to be planning for life without their midfield anchor.

What comes next for Bouaddi?

It still needs to be determined whether Bouaddi will move to the Etihad Stadium straight away or spend one more season in Ligue 1. That decision could shape City's entire summer transfer strategy, particularly if Rodri's exit is confirmed before the window closes.

City also have new signing Elliot Anderson in midfield, so there is no shortage of options even if Rodri departs. But the scale of change at the club goes far beyond one position.

A new era under Maresca

Pep Guardiola's departure was always likely to be a big challenge for everyone involved with City. Enzo Maresca is now the man in charge, and he faces a substantial rebuilding job. Bernardo Silva and John Stones have also left the club, stripping the squad of proven winners and experienced leaders.

It's going to be a very different team that takes to the pitch in the 2026/27 season. Bouaddi, if he arrives, would be a key part of that new-look side.

John Stones has become an Inter Milan player. Inter Milan have confirmed the signing of the defender, who left Manchester City when his contract expired at the end of last season. The England international has signed a contract with the Serie A side which expires in June 2028.

After playing for Manchester City for a decade, the 2025-26 season was John Stones’ final campaign as a City player. The elegant centre-back won every major trophy available during his time at the club.

The past two seasons saw Stones battle constant injury issues. That did not stop him playing a crucial role for England at this summer’s World Cup, so it has taken time for him to find a new home.

Stones was a free agent after his contract with Manchester City expired at the end of the 2025-26 season.

Inter should suit him as he plays in the latter stages of his illustrious career. A fresh start in Italy awaits.

Manchester City and Chelsea have opened talks with Robbie Ure, the IK Sirius forward currently topping Europe's Golden Boot standings for 2026. According to an unnamed source, both clubs have now moved beyond scouting and into active discussions over a potential deal.

The 22-year-old's rise has been rapid. After just two first-team appearances at Rangers and a spell largely restricted to Anderlecht's reserve team, Ure signed a four-year deal with Swedish side IK Sirius in March 2025. Since then, he has scored 31 goals in 49 games.

Interest beyond the Premier League

Arsenal, Newcastle and Tottenham have also scouted the striker in recent times. Across Europe, AC Milan, Napoli, Monaco, Lille, Galatasaray, Fenerbahce and Besiktas are monitoring his situation.

Ure seems unruffled by the attention. In a BBC Sport interview, he said: 'It’s normal when you’re young and playing well in a good league, you’re going to have interest from good leagues and good clubs.'

'Especially when I score four goals, I think the noise is going to increase.'

Ground rules

The striker is not getting carried away. 'It’s something that I’m going be interested in, if I think it’s the right thing for me. But we have to just wait and see. It’s a long summer in the transfer window.'

He made it clear where his immediate focus lies: 'Until I’m told otherwise, I need to help Sirius. If we continue playing like we have been, then I think it could be a really special season.'

On a possible return to Scotland? 'At the moment, I don’t think I would come back to Scotland. One day, you never know. I’d love to return to Rangers.'

'That was the plan when I first came to Sweden, to develop as a player and go on to bigger things. Until then, I need to stay focused and I need to keep proving myself.'

Oliver Whatmuff has left Manchester City's pre-season tour before it even began. The 18-year-old goalkeeper has started his loan at Stockport County early, a decision prompted by an injury to County's Andy Wogan during pre-season. Whatmuff will not travel with the Blues to Hong Kong and Seoul.

He will instead stay with Stockport for the rest of their pre-season and the 2026-27 campaign. That means reuniting with manager Jimmy McNulty, who worked with the shot-stopper at Rochdale last term. Whatmuff kept 18 clean sheets there and produced a heroic two-save penalty shootout display at Wembley to secure promotion.

His early departure leaves City needing a fourth goalkeeping option for the Asia tour. Step forward Max Chabot.

French trialist drafted in

Chabot, an 18-year-old French talent, has joined the squad as a trialist. He is in the process of completing a move to the club from Angers SCO, though the transfer has not yet been formalised. The France youth international rejected a first professional contract at his boyhood club, choosing instead to pursue his development in England.

Chabot featured for France at the FIFA U17 World Cup and regularly appeared above his age group at Angers, playing for both the U19s and reserve side. He is expected to join the academy setup rather than the first team.

James Trafford, meanwhile, is expected to leave for Leeds United. Director of football Hugo Viana is understood to be working to identify an experienced back-up option behind Gianluigi Donnarumma before the window closes.

Manchester City are making Real Madrid work for Rodri. The Spanish champions have opened talks this week — conversations began Wednesday and continued Thursday — but the Blues are refusing to budge on their valuation of the 30-year-old midfielder.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed on his YouTube channel that Madrid have indicated they are prepared to pay around £43m (€50m). City want more. The ball, for now, sits with the player.

Rodri swapped Atletico Madrid for City in 2019 and has since collected four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three Carabao Cups, the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup. He also claimed the Ballon d'Or in 2024, beating Madrid's Vinicius Junior.

In late March, Rodri told Spanish media: “There have been many players who've gone down that path. Not immediately, but over time. For me, you can't turn down the best clubs in the world. I've got a year left on my contract; the time will come when we'll have to sit down and talk.”

Romano added: “Don't forget that Real Madrid indicated they are prepared to pay around €50m. City are likely to ask more. And City still hope more clubs could join the race for Rodri. But the player is going to make the difference in this story.”

Bouaddi chase continues on separate track

Before Madrid made their move, City were pursuing Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi. The 18-year-old impressed at the World Cup for Morocco, and City's efforts to sign him have intensified since.

Bouaddi could cost around £85m. Romano says City are confident a deal can be struck soon: “The player is ready to give his green light to the Manchester City project. Now also club to club, they are getting closer. Manchester City are very confident to have the here we go for Bouaddi quite soon and will be an excellent signing, one of the best talents in his position around the world.”

Two sagas. One club digging in. The other closing in.

Eli Junior Kroupi, the Bournemouth striker who scored 13 Premier League goals in his debut season, has undergone surgery on a foot injury. The procedure addresses a foot complaint that had not previously been disclosed publicly, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic.

City had made contact with Bournemouth over the 20-year-old earlier in the summer window. That conversation now takes on a different complexion.

Timeline for return

Kroupi is set to miss three to four months of action. A three to four-month absence would rule him out until October or November at the earliest. He is expected to miss the entirety of Bournemouth's pre-season preparations and the opening months of the Premier League season.

The French forward joined Bournemouth from Lorient in February 2025 in a deal worth approximately £10 million, spending the remainder of that season on loan back at his boyhood club. While on loan, he scored 22 goals in 30 appearances, finished as Ligue 2's top scorer, and helped Lorient win promotion.

A three to four-month absence would rule Kroupi out until October or November at the earliest

Kroupi's 13 goals in the Premier League last term marked him as one of the division's more promising young forwards. Whether City maintain their interest through this setback remains to be seen — but the timing certainly complicates matters.

Manchester City have rejected an opening offer from Real Madrid for Rodri. The Spanish giants tabled an initial €50m (£42m) proposal for the midfielder, which the Blues have turned down.

Bouaddi deal close

Meanwhile, a deal for Ayyoub Bouaddi is close to being completed. The midfielder is expected to join City as the club continues to strengthen ahead of the new campaign.

Rodri remains a City player. The rejection of Real Madrid's approach signals the club's stance on their key assets.

City have turned down an initial €50m (£42m) proposal from Real Madrid for midfielder Rodri.

More to follow.

Joel Ndala's time at Manchester City has come to a close. Cercle Brugge have confirmed the permanent signing of the 20-year-old winger for a reported fee of €900,000. The Belgian Pro League side announced the deal after reports of an agreement surfaced earlier this week.

Ndala joined City from Port Vale in 2016 as a ten-year-old. He rose through the academy ranks, registering 17 goals and eight assists in 41 appearances at U18 level. His pace and directness earned comparisons to Jeremy Doku during his youth days.

That promise never quite translated into senior football at the Etihad. Several loan spells followed — Jong PSV, Nottingham Forest, Hull City and Sheffield Wednesday. The most recent stint at Hillsborough ended early. Ndala made just eight appearances before dropping out of the side in April as the Owls' League One relegation campaign concluded.

He remains an England youth international, having represented his country at U16, U17, U18 and U20 levels.

Clear-out continues

Ndala is the latest academy player moved on this summer, joining Christian McFarlane and Mahamadou Sangare among those whose immediate futures have been settled. Enzo Maresca and Hugo Viana are trimming the squad, keeping only those with genuine pathways to first-team minutes at the Etihad.

Cercle Brugge play their home games at the Jan Breydel Stadium in Bruges. They will be hoping Ndala's early reputation — the winger was once valued at around £2.5 million by journalist Sacha Tavolieri — can be revived in Belgian football. For City, it's another tidy piece of business and another young player given a fresh start.

City have submitted a bid for Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli. The 34-year-old Argentinian international is the subject of an offer from the Blues, according to Foot Mercato.

The Ligue 1 side have “received an offer” from Enzo Maresca’s side for the 8-cap shot-stopper. An agreement between the two clubs for Rulli is not expected to be difficult.

City have stepped up their pursuit of the Marseille man.

Rulli, 34, would arrive with top-flight experience in France and Spain, plus a World Cup winner’s medal from 2022. Whether he slots straight into the first team or provides competition remains to be seen.

Phil Foden and Abdukodir Khusanov were on hand in Hong Kong this week to show off City's new away kit for the 2026/27 season. The pair, alongside Academy prospect Ryan McAidoo, presented the strip at a Harbour Pitch: Built For This City fan event during the club's pre-season tour of Asia.

The shirt is built around a black base, with gold detailing running across the collar, underarm stripes and sleeve cuffs. The standout feature is an all-over embossed pattern of worker bees — a direct nod to one of Manchester's most recognisable cultural symbols.

The pale gold tone is a deliberate throwback. It echoes the colour used on City's 1989/90 third kit.

Foden and Khusanov being chosen to front the reveal felt far from coincidental. Both players had committed their long-term futures to the club just days earlier.

The launch follows the home kit, revealed in May, which used a sky-blue gradient to pay tribute to the various shades of blue City have worn over the years. These two releases mark the start of the first full Puma kit cycle of the post-Pep Guardiola era.

The away shirt goes on general release this week. City's pre-season continues with a friendly against Inter Milan on August 1, before the tour moves on to Seoul.

Shaun Wright-Phillips is swapping his boots for ballroom shoes. BBC Strictly Come Dancing has confirmed the ex-Manchester City winger will appear on the 24th series later this year.

The 44-year-old was a key part of the City side that won promotion to the Premier League in 2001/02. He won the club's Young Player of the Year award four years running and was named overall Player of the Year in 2004.

That form earned a £21 million move to Chelsea in 2005 — a club-record sale for City at the time. He returned in 2008 and scored twice on his second debut away at Sunderland. He played his part in City's 2011 FA Cup triumph, the club's first major trophy in 35 years.

He retired in 2019 after spells at Queens Park Rangers and in Major League Soccer.

Since then, he has built a prominent second career as a broadcaster across the BBC, Sky Sports and ITV. Now he faces a different kind of spotlight.

Wright-Phillips said:

'Dancing is in my blood – but mainly at family events! Strictly is definitely outside my comfort zone, but I'm super excited to get started and really looking forward to the challenge!'

The show returns this September under new presenters Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe, following the departure of long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The judging panel of Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke remains unchanged.

Wright-Phillips becomes the latest ex-City man to trade the Etihad for the dancefloor. Whether his footwork is as sharp as it was on the wing remains to be seen — but the sequins are already on order.

City are accelerating their pursuit of Ayyoub Bouaddi. Talks between the club and Lille are expected to progress today, as Enzo Maresca looks to finalise his squad before the 2026-27 season kicks off on 23rd August.

Lille's 18-year-old midfielder has caught the eye of the Blues' recruitment team. No deal has been agreed yet, but the pace of negotiations suggests City are keen to get this one over the line quickly.

Goalkeeper shuffle

James Trafford's exit to Leeds has been paired with fresh interest in Geronimo Rulli as his likely replacement. The Argentinian goalkeeper currently with Ajax could provide competition for Ederson, though no formal offer has been made.

John Stones' future has also been resolved, with the former City defender leaving the club this summer. The Blues have already seen Bernardo Silva depart in the current window.

Window so far

• Bernardo Silva – left the club
• John Stones – departed this summer
• James Trafford – sold to Leeds United
• Ayyoub Bouaddi – talks ongoing with Lille
• Geronimo Rulli – interest registered

City won the FA Cup and Carabao Cup last season but finished behind Arsenal in the Premier League. Maresca will want his business done before pre-season begins against Inter Milan on 1st August.

There has still been no decision regarding the 115 charges laid against the club.

Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly keeping a close eye on a second Manchester City forward this summer. The Tottenham manager, already pursuing Savinho, is said to be an admirer of Egypt international Omar Marmoush as well, according to Football London's Alasdair Gold.

The North London side are looking to bolster their attacking ranks. Savinho's situation has developed quickly in recent weeks, with the Brazilian winger pushing for a move to North London in search of regular first-team football. Reports place Tottenham's interest in Savinho at a fee in the region of £60-65 million.

Now, De Zerbi's attention appears to have turned to Marmoush. The Egyptian endured a difficult first full season at City after his move from Eintracht Frankfurt in January 2025, starting just eight of 21 league appearances despite the goalscoring pedigree that first attracted the club's interest.

Marmoush is likely to speak directly with Enzo Maresca before making any decision on his future.

Whether that conversation leads to a departure remains to be determined, but the interest from Tottenham is noted.

Manchester City are pushing hard to secure Ayyoub Bouaddi this summer, with the 18-year-old Lille midfielder identified as a key target for Enzo Maresca's reshaped squad. Talks between the clubs have been building for weeks, with senior City officials and Lille president Olivier Létang holding direct discussions beginning at the end of June.

Now, according to Fabrizio Romano, City are accelerating their efforts, with talks scheduled to progress on Thursday.

Bouaddi, a product of Lille's academy with 96 appearances for the club already to his name, was one of the standout performers of Morocco's run to the World Cup quarter-finals — a campaign that ended only after a narrow defeat to France. That form has triggered interest from a host of Europe's biggest clubs, including Arsenal, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, with City understood to have moved ahead of the Gunners, who seemingly have their attentions fixed on Bruno Guimaraes.

Arsenal are out. City are in.

According to Footmercato's Santi Aouna and Hanif Berkane, an agreement between City and Lille is imminent, and the player himself has given his personal agreement to a move to the Etihad Stadium. Matteo Moretto reports a similar line — a verbal agreement with Bouaddi is in place, while advanced negotiations with his club continue.

But one sticking point remains: the fee. City are pushing for a deal below Lille's target valuation of €100 million, though the substance of the deal is seemingly all but settled.

There is also the question of timing. Lille wish to keep Bouaddi for an additional season on loan, while City want to integrate him into their squad this summer. The two parties are studying what is the best solution for the Moroccan international midfielder. Given Enzo Maresca is keen to build midfield cohesion early in his tenure, there is plenty of reason to expect City to push hard to have Bouaddi available from the start of the season.

The timing also carries an extra layer of significance given Rodri's own unresolved future at the club, with Real Madrid interest in the World Cup-winning midfielder and captain yet to fully subside.

Bouaddi would be City's second major central midfield addition of the window, following the £116 million arrival of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, as Maresca and Hugo Viana continue to prioritise a rebuild through the middle of the park.

Jack Grealish has taken to Instagram to correct ESPN UK after the broadcaster suggested he had been omitted from Manchester City's pre-season touring party as a selection decision. The 30-year-old, sidelined since January with an ongoing injury, is not in the squad heading to Asia — but not for the reasons some might assume.

The ESPN UK post read: 'Jack Grealish and Kalvin Phillips have been left out of Man City's pre-season squad travelling to Asia. They haven't played since January and February respectively.'

Grealish replied directly: 'Just to let you know I'm still recovering from an injury so I'm not training yet. Haven't been left out so stop talking poo poo thanks.'

The winger is into the final year of his current deal at the Etihad Stadium. City's first pre-season game is against Inter Milan on 1st August, while the Premier League season opens on 23 August against Bournemouth.

For now, Grealish's focus remains on getting fit. The rest can wait.

Manchester City are making serious moves in the summer window. According to multiple reports, the Blues are pushing hard to sign Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi for a fee that could exceed £68m. The 18-year-old is seen as the long-term replacement for Rodri, who is closing in on a move to Real Madrid.

City have already spent over £100m to bring Elliot Anderson in from Nottingham Forest. Now they look set to invest heavily in another midfield addition.

Rodri to Madrid edges closer

Fabrizio Romano reported earlier this week that Real Madrid have made their first formal approach for Rodri. The Spanish side have indicated they are willing to pay over €50m, while Nicolò Schira claims personal terms have already been agreed on a contract until 2030. Rodri, according to Schira, has turned down City’s offer of an extension.

That leaves a sizeable hole in Enzo Maresca’s midfield.

Bouaddi deal accelerating

Schira also states that Bouaddi is one step away from signing for City from Lille, with personal terms agreed on a deal until 2031. Romano has confirmed that conversations are advancing very well, adding that the agreement between the two clubs is getting closer. The Italian journalist says City are accelerating to get the deal done, with further developments expected on Thursday.

If this one comes off, it will be a statement of intent.

Rodri’s departure — if it happens — would leave a gap that few players could fill. Bouaddi, for all his promise, would be stepping into enormous boots. But City’s recruitment machine has earned the benefit of the doubt before.

“Manchester City are accelerating to get Ayyoub Bouaddi deal done with talks to progress today.”

That, from Fabrizio Romano, suggests the endgame is near. Thursday could bring clarity.

Manchester City are not actively looking to sell Rodri this summer. The club's preference, according to journalist Ben Jacobs, is to keep hold of the 30-year-old even if he does not sign a new contract. That much is clear.

But there is a scenario in which the Spain international departs. It depends entirely on whether City can first complete the signing of Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille.

The Morocco international is identified as the long-term heir in the defensive midfield position should Rodri's departure eventually be sanctioned. Concluding that deal at a fee of around £85 million, per previous reports, would resolve the midfield depth concern that makes a Rodri sale untenable. Only then would the Blues consider letting their midfield anchor leave.

Bouaddi's arrival, or that of another midfielder, would change City's calculation and provide the cover needed to make a Rodri sale manageable.

Real Madrid's pursuit

Real Madrid have reached a personal agreement with Rodri. The player has relayed his desire to join the Spanish club to those close to him. His wish to leave the Etihad Stadium is not in meaningful doubt.

Yet the two clubs remain far apart on valuation. Reports from Spain have placed City's asking price at around €80 million. Real Madrid have capped their own offer at €60 million. City value Rodri at significantly more than the reported figures of €50 million being floated in some quarters.

The gap matters because City are prepared to let Rodri see out the remaining year of his deal rather than accept a fee they consider inadequate. Real Madrid's confidence in completing the deal has been reported as high, but that confidence has not yet translated into a bid that matches City's expectations.

For now, the standoff continues. If Bouaddi signs first, the domino could fall. If not, Rodri stays — with or without an extension.

Manchester City midfielder Rodri is reportedly closing in on a €50m move to Real Madrid, with the Spanish giants confident of sealing a bargain deal. The 30-year-old Spain international enters the final year of his contract at the Etihad, making a cut-price transfer increasingly likely.

According to AS, Real Madrid believe they can land Rodri for between €40-50m. Their report goes further, suggesting a solution could be found within 24 hours. Things appear to be moving quickly.

Mourinho's rebuild takes shape

New Madrid boss Jose Mourinho values experienced winners in his squad. Rodri fits that profile perfectly — a potential arrival as a World Cup winner with Spain, joining recent signings Bernardo Silva, Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate, and Denzel Dumfries.

Rodri scored 28 goals in 298 appearances for City. He leaves behind four Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy. A decent return.

If he goes, Elliot Anderson — signed from Nottingham Forest this summer — could step into the midfield role. The Blues will hope he adapts quickly.

Nico O'Reilly has become a first-team regular at Manchester City, winning the Premier League's Young Player of the Season award during his breakout campaign. He rose to prominence at left-back for both club and England at the 2026 World Cup. But that might not be where he stays.

Heading into a new era under Enzo Maresca, a positional shift could be on the cards.

Deep at Left-Back

O'Reilly is arguably City's first-choice left-back after Josko Gvardiol's serious injury last January, which kept him out for a large chunk of the season. Rayan Ait-Nouri also struggled to establish himself in his first season at the Etihad. Those factors, plus O'Reilly's irrepressible form, made him a mainstay under Pep Guardiola.

Now, City have three quality options at left-back for the 2026-27 campaign. If Gvardiol returns fit, he's another. And given how Maresca uses his full-backs, Ait-Nouri could play a more prominent role too.

Back to His Roots

That depth could free up O'Reilly to move into midfield — his natural position. He came through City's academy as an attacking midfielder and played alongside Rodri and Bernardo Silva in the engine room last season when required. He is a midfielder by trade.

Physically, his strength and size could be hugely important as the Premier League evolves. Playing him in midfield is a bonafide option for Maresca to consider.

His late attacking runs from left-back remain a major weapon. But O'Reilly is destined to be a full-time midfielder. It could happen next season. City are blessed with the left-back options to facilitate this shift.