Manchester City are preparing for a new chapter after an emotional 2025-26 season. The club finished second in the Premier League behind Arsenal.
Pep Guardiola also ended his remarkable spell by winning both the FA Cup and the EFL Cup before leaving the Etihad Stadium.
The summer has already brought significant changes. Enzo Maresca is set to stand in the dugout as Manchester City’s new manager.
City have already completed the signing of Elliot Anderson and continue working on several more additions.
Strengthening the midfield remains one of the club’s priorities. Manchester City are also exploring a move for Sandro Tonali while planning for both the present and the future.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City have already held initial talks for Ayyoub Bouaddi as they consider the Lille midfielder a target for the future.
Romano adds that four clubs are involved in the race. However, Paris Saint-Germain have not advanced their interest because they are currently focusing on other priorities.
Manchester City’s plan would allow Bouaddi to continue his development at Lille if an agreement is reached.
The report states the Premier League club would let the midfielder remain there until the start of the 2027-28 season before bringing him to the Etihad Stadium.
That approach would allow City to secure one of the brightest young talents at the 2026 Worlld Cup without disrupting his progress.
It would also strengthen the club’s long-term planning as Maresca begins reshaping the squad. For now, discussions remain at an early stage.
🚨🇲🇦 Manchester City held initial talks for Ayyoub Bouaddi as potential target for the future.
There are 4 clubs involved, PSG not advancing yet having different top priorities.#MCFC keen on Bouaddi with possible plan to let him stay at Lille until start of season 2027/28. pic.twitter.com/LRPZd1ViLY
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 30, 2026
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