Manchester City’s summer business is progressing on multiple fronts, with talks ongoing over Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi, a Barcelona approach for Rodri currently stalled, and Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez emerging as a potential alternative target. Here’s the latest from the Etihad.
Bouaddi Talks Continue With Lille
Manchester City remain in discussions with Lille over a move for 18-year-old Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi, with personal terms already agreed between the club and player for some time as the two sides work to find a fee both are comfortable with.
Rodri-to-Barcelona Talks Stall
As things stand, City don’t consider talks with Barcelona over Rodri to be genuinely active, after what the club viewed as a low opening offer worth around £40 million. The Spain captain, who has just a year remaining on his contract, is due back at City on Friday following his post-World Cup break, with the club still hopeful of persuading him to sign an extension. Barcelona are understood to be considering how to structure a follow-up offer for the 30-year-old.
Enzo Fernandez on City’s Midfield Shortlist
Alongside their interest in Bouaddi, City are keeping tabs on several other midfield options who could be pursued if further squad sales take place. Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez is among those on the list, with Chelsea valuing the Argentina international at around £120 million. Fernandez previously worked closely with new City boss Enzo Maresca during their time together at Chelsea, a relationship that could factor into any future move.
Who Could Leave the Etihad?
Nottingham Forest have shown interest in City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, who joined from AC Milan for £46 million last summer. Mateo Kovacic, meanwhile, is expected to stay and see out the final year of his current deal, while Nico Gonzalez has expressed a desire to remain at the club, though it remains to be seen whether his playing time improves under Maresca.
Maresca has indicated that forward Omar Marmoush will be given the chance to determine his own future at the club, drawing a comparison to how goalkeeper James Trafford’s situation was handled before his eventual move to Leeds United. Marmoush is understood to want more regular minutes, and Maresca has left the door open for that opportunity to come at City this season rather than through a departure.
There’s been no fresh contact regarding Savinho, who remains keen on a move to Tottenham, while young Brazilian defender Vitor Reis looks set to stay and fight for a first-team place after impressing Maresca during City’s pre-season tour of the Far East. Reis, who joined City for just under £30 million around 18 months ago, spent last season on loan at sister club Girona.
Squad Returns This Week
Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku, Rayan Cherki, and England internationals Marc Guehi and Elliot Anderson are all due to report back to City on Wednesday, giving Maresca a fuller squad to work with as pre-season progresses.
Quick Facts: Man City’s Summer Business
- In talks: Ayyoub Bouaddi (Lille, personal terms agreed)
- Stalled: Rodri to Barcelona (rejected ~£40m opening offer)
- Shortlisted: Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea, ~£120m valuation)
- Interest from other clubs: Tijjani Reijnders (Nottingham Forest), Savinho (Tottenham)
- Expected to stay: Mateo Kovacic, Nico Gonzalez, Vitor Reis
- Squad returning Wednesday: Haaland, Doku, Cherki, Guehi, Anderson
