Manchester City are pushing ahead with their pursuit of Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi as the club’s search for a forward intensifies following fresh movement on Savinho. The Blues have added only Elliot Anderson as a major arrival this summer, and even if Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi were purchased in January for the longer term, several deals remain in the pipeline over the next five weeks.
Bouaddi deal still under negotiation
Bouaddi was recommended by City scouts before the World Cup, and his performances for Morocco have significantly boosted his reputation. Lille have been holding out for £85m, but the clubs remain in negotiations. City have distanced themselves from a move for Enzo Fernandez, although Enzo Maresca admires the player and got the best out of him at Chelsea.
Rodri vulnerability and midfield reshaping
City are still vulnerable to Real Madrid making a move for Rodri if the Spanish side can sell Aurelien Tchouameni, and there is now greater intent following Rodri’s return to the summit of world football. Work also remains to shape the rest of Maresca’s midfield, with uncertainty surrounding several squad members.
Savinho to Tottenham gains momentum
That uncertainty extends to other positions, with Savinho’s move to Tottenham gathering pace in recent days. There was little substance to links with Yan Diomande, and a move for Vinicius Jr remains unlikely at this stage, but City’s name being linked with wingers has been interpreted as a sign they are more actively looking and that Savinho could leave this time.
The Brazilian returned to training last week after being omitted from Brazil’s World Cup squad and has travelled on the pre-season tour to Asia, but doubts are resurfacing over his future. Jack Grealish’s chances of an unlikely return to City under Maresca lengthened after he was left out of the group that flew to Hong Kong, although he is also said to be not fully fit.
Goalkeeper and midfield departures
James Trafford’s impending departure to Leeds means City must find a No.2 goalkeeper in the remaining weeks of the window. Kalvin Phillips is heading to south Yorkshire for another loan with Sheffield United, having been omitted from the touring squad.
