Manchester City are in advanced talks for the signing of Ayyoub Bouaddi, as Rodri closes in on a move to Barcelona. With just under two weeks until transfer Deadline Day, City are expected to be busy, and replacing Rodri is set to be a top priority for new head coach Enzo Maresca.
Rodri's Barcelona move nears completion
It was reported on Sunday evening, following City’s Community Shield loss to Arsenal, that an agreement had been reached with Barcelona for the sale of the Spanish midfielder. Rodri did not feature in Cardiff, having only returned to training on Friday after an extended post-World Cup break and undergoing minor back surgery.
Although it would appear that the Spain World Cup winner has already played his final game for the club, as his £65million switch to Barcelona is expected to be finalised imminently.
Bouaddi identified as Rodri's heir
That said, Man City are not wasting any time in lining up a replacement. According to the BBC, City are in advanced talks with Lille over a move for Bouaddi and want to conclude a transfer this week, before the opening game of the Premier League season against Bournemouth.
The report also states that the French club value the 18-year-old at €100m (£85m), a deal that Man City would be able to partially fund via the sale of Rodri. Bouaddi impressed for Morocco at the World Cup, particularly as the deep-lying midfielder in the 1-1 draw against Brazil, and would be seen as the natural heir to Rodri.
Maresca comments on potential signing
“He is still a Lille player,” Maresca said when asked about the midfielder. “But any new signing as soon as they arrive, it’s better [for us], because we have the Premier League starting in one week.”
City have already added Elliot Anderson to their midfield this summer, but missed the deadline to sign Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez for £120m.
