City have reportedly completed a deal to sign Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, with the 18-year-old set to sign a contract until 2031.
Transfer journalist Nicolò Schira reported on Monday that the deal is now done, representing a significant step forward after weeks of negotiations between City and Lille.
Bouaddi had already reached an agreement in principle over personal terms, but City had still been working to find an agreement with the Ligue 1 club.
Lille head coach Davide Ancelotti confirmed over the weekend that talks were taking place, while Reuters subsequently reported that City were close to finalising a deal potentially worth up to £85m.
City close in on major midfield addition
The timing is significant following City’s agreement to sell Rodri to Barcelona.
Enzo Maresca has already added club-record signing Elliot Anderson to his midfield this summer, but Rodri’s departure has increased the need for further reinforcements.
Bouaddi has been one of City’s priority targets and would add another young midfielder around whom Maresca can shape his new-look side.
Official confirmation from either club is still awaited, so Schira’s report should be treated as the latest stage rather than confirmation from City.
If completed as expected, however, another major piece of City’s summer rebuild will be in place.
