City are confident of finalising a deal for Ayyoub Bouaddi in the coming days, according to Fabrizio Romano, with negotiations having accelerated since his update earlier this week.
The move caps weeks of City positioning themselves as the frontrunner for the 18-year-old, with talks between the clubs having progressed from direct negotiations to what Romano now describes as genuine optimism inside the club.
Bouaddi impressed for Morocco at the World Cup, and had also been the subject of interest from Arsenal, Manchester United and Real Madrid earlier in the window.
One detail still to be resolved: whether Bouaddi joins now or has his move delayed until 2027, with City’s decision reportedly tied to how their midfield business shapes up elsewhere — including how the Rodri situation with Real Madrid develops.
A departure there would make an immediate arrival more likely; City retaining him could see Bouaddi’s move pushed back instead.
Lille have been holding out for a fee in the region of £85m for a player who’s made 96 senior appearances despite his age.
If confirmed, it would rank among City’s most significant pieces of business this summer — and the clearest signal yet of the kind of midfield profile Enzo Maresca wants built around.
