Manchester City Closing in on Ayoub Bouaddi Deal

Manchester City has moved decisively in the summer transfer market to compensate for the departure of Spanish midfielder Rodri to Barcelona, as the English club is close to finalizing a deal for young Moroccan international Ayoub Bouaddi. At the same time, Enzo Fernandez is being considered among the options to strengthen the midfield.

According to Facundo Di Scala, a journalist at Cadena SER, along with English media reports including BBC Sport, Manchester City has intensified its communications to finalize the deal for Bouadi as soon as possible, following recent developments related to Rodri's departure and the heavy defeat against Arsenal in the Community Shield.

Bouadli is just 18 years old and made a remarkable impression with the Moroccan national team during the recent World Cup, where the Atlas Lions reached the quarter-finals before being eliminated by France, after successfully knocking out the Netherlands in their tournament run.

Bouaddi previously had the opportunity to represent the French national team, as France is his country of birth, but ultimately chose to defend the colors of the Moroccan national team. He received widespread acclaim during his participation in the World Cup thanks to the performances he delivered.

Following Morocco's exit from the tournament, several clubs are eyeing the player, but Manchester City appears to be in the lead. The club is reportedly prepared to pay around €100 million, which is approximately £86 million.

According to circulating data, Lille has set this financial value for the approval of Bouadid's departure. If the deal is completed at this amount, the Moroccan player will become the third most expensive signing in Manchester City's history, behind Jack Grealish and Elliot Anderson.