Manchester City have a deal in place with Lille for the signing of midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, as per transfer insider Fabrizio Romano.
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Ayyoub Bouaddi was identified by Manchester City officials as a potential addition to Enzo Maresca’s ranks at the start of the ongoing summer, with the 18-year-old mostly bursting onto the scene for the wider football community at the FIFA World Cup in North America.
City’s midfield is undergoing a major revamp this summer as now-former captain Bernardo Silva departed for Real Madrid for free owing to the expiry of his contract, with Tijjani Reijnders joining Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah and Rodri making a switch to FC Barcelona.
Enzo Maresca sent an honest message to Manchester City sporting director Hugo Viana after last week’s 3-0 Community Shield loss to Arsenal on the need to close deals and expedite the club’s business before the September 1 deadline.
The Italian coach specifically addressed a question on Ayyoub Bouaddi in his press conference after the defeat, with Manchester City having been linked with the highly-rated midfielder for months, but negotiations not progressing with Lille to the point of a final agreement.
Man City reach full agreement with Lille for Bouaddi
However, after seeing Rodri complete a £65.4 million transfer to Barcelona, Manchester City have now wrapped up a deal for Ayyoub Bouaddi and have a full agreement in place with Lille for a fee of €95 million plus a further €5 million in add-ons, as reported by transfer insider Fabrizio Romano.
The development came just hours before Manchester City's opening Premier League clash of the brand new season, as late goals from Marc Guehi and Josko Gvardiol ensured they would secure all three points in Maresca's first top-flight match in charge of the club.
The Blues also remain interested in Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, who is believed to be keen to reunite with former Stamford Bridge boss Enzo Maresca at the Etihad Stadium, with Manchester City also exploring a potential deal with their west London counterparts.
However, City are unlikely to match Chelsea’s valuation, which now stands at north of £120 million on the Argentina international, but a transfer has not been ruled out by Etihad Stadium bosses at present.
Lille and Manchester City have come to an agreement over a transfer for Ayyoub Bouaddi to the Etihad Stadium, it is being reported.cityxtra.co.ukMan City and Lille Reach Full Agreement on Ayyoub Bouaddi
Lille and Manchester City have come to an agreement over a transfer for Ayyoub Bouaddi to the Etihad Stadium, it is being reported.
What is next for Bouaddi and Man City?
With a deal in place between Lille and Manchester City, Ayyoub Bouaddi is expected to fly to England on Monday morning, undergo a medical and put pen to paper on a long-term contract at the Etihad Stadium.
City take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on match weekend two of the Premier League campaign on Friday night, with Bouaddi likely to be registered in time to become eligible to make his full debut for the club and in the English top-flight.
The Blues have gotten their hands on one of the most exciting midfield talents in world football, with Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak particularly taking note of the teenager’s mature displays at the recent FIFA World Cup.
There could be further upheaval in the Manchester City midfield between now and the transfer deadline as Newcastle United hold talks with Hugo Viana and co. over a possible transfer for Nico Gonzalez.