Manchester City transfer news: Citizens keen on Arsenal-linked midfielder as 'initial talks' held

Manchester City are reportedly keen to motion Morocco planetary Ayyoub Bouaddi during the existent summertime transportation window.

Enzo Maresca, who was appointed arsenic City's caller manager this week, is looking to fortify his midfield, with Elliot Anderson acceptable to go his archetypal large signing.

The Citizens person reportedly agreed a £116m woody with Nottingham Forest for the England international, who has completed his medical up of the projected move.

Ayyoub Bouaddi: Man City articulation contention for the in-demand midfielder? 

Bouaddi enjoyed an outstanding 2025-26 campaign, making 42 appearances for Lille, and has emerged arsenic 1 of the astir sought-after young midfielders successful the transportation market.

The 18-year-old has besides produced a drawstring of awesome displays for Morocco astatine the 2026 World Cup, establishing himself arsenic a regular starter successful the Atlas Lions' midfield.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City are 1 of 4 clubs successful the contention for Bouaddi and person already held archetypal talks implicit a determination to the Etihad Stadium.

The transportation adept adds that the Citizens are prepared to let Bouaddi to stay astatine Lille until the commencement of the 2027-28 season, a connection that could entreaty to the French club, who are reluctant to suffer 1 of their prized assets immediately.

Arsenal person besides been heavy linked with the technically talented midfielder, though City volition beryllium encouraged by reports suggesting that Paris Saint-Germain are not 'advancing yet' to motion the Morocco international.

Arsenal large menace for Man City in Ayyoub Bouaddi signing?

The Gunners are reportedly starring the contention and are preparing to taxable their opening connection for the teenager.

Sporting manager Andrea Berta is said to person held talks with Lille implicit a imaginable deal, with Arsenal viewing Bouaddi arsenic a important upgrade connected Christian Norgaard.

The North London nine are besides focusing connected a determination for Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, and it remains to beryllium seen however superior they are astir signing Bouaddi, whose estimation continues to soar with each awesome show astatine the World Cup.

Lille are consenting to merchantability the youngster, but lone if their valuation is met, with reported asking prices ranging between £69m and £86m depending connected the source.