Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca has admitted there is a chance of further senior departures ahead of transfer deadline day. The Blues opened their Premier League campaign with a dramatic 2-1 win over Bournemouth thanks to late goals from Marc Guehi and Josko Gvardiol.
The comeback completed what Maresca called a 'perfect day' on his return to the club as he took charge of his first Etihad match as manager. The new boss' selection saw Guehi deployed as a central midfielder while Nico O'Reilly played as an attacking midfielder and Rico Lewis started at right back.
Substitutes' futures uncertain
Jack Grealish, Nico Gonzalez and Omar Marmoush - all candidates to depart before the window closes on September 1 with Tottenham believed to be close to signing the latter - were all among the substitutes. Grealish came off the bench in the closing stages while Marmoush and Gonzalez were unused subs.
But Maresca said any selection choices should not automatically be interpreted as indicators on the trio's future. "He (Grealish) is here and it is my duty to coach Jack and to try to get the best from me, and then it is one more week to go and we will see what happens. Not only with Jack but also other players."
Asked if that is the same for Gonzalez and Marmoush, Maresca added: "We had also more players on the bench. The other one that didn't play was Rayan Ait-Nouri and then one more (Vitor Reis) but they are not going to leave because they didn't play today. We will see."
Incoming and outgoing deals
City have agreed a deal to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille with the Blues paying an initial £84.1million for the teenage midfielder. That move is set to be completed next week and the 18-year-old could play against Crystal Palace on Friday night.
A five-year deal with the option of an extra year for Bouaddi signals the intent from the club for the 18-year-old to be a big part of their future. Meanwhile Savinho's transfer to Tottenham is also expected to be ratified in the coming days. Spurs have agreed a £75million deal with City for Savinho that includes another £5m guaranteed and another potential £5m on top of that.
