CORNERFLICK
Manchester City are nearing the completion of a major summer move for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, according to British reports. Talks between the clubs are said to be in their final stages, with City having already reached an initial agreement with the player over a long-term deal.
Fee talks continue
The remaining hurdle is the transfer fee. Lille are understood to want close to €100 million, while City are exploring ways to lower the cost.
One option under discussion is a loan back to Lille for another season. Another is structuring the deal with performance-related add-ons.
Interest from Europe’s elite
Bouaddi, 18, has emerged as one of France’s brightest young midfielders and has also attracted interest from Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Bayern Munich. City now appear to have moved ahead in that race.
The move would also fit City’s wider plan to refresh their midfield for the long term. With uncertainty around Rodri’s future and outside interest in the Spain international, the club are planning for the next cycle in the centre of the pitch.
If completed, the deal would place Bouaddi among the most expensive 18-year-old signings in football history.