Manchester City ready to spend €100m to snatch Bouaddi from Lille

Manchester City has opened discussions with Ayyoub Bouaddi’s entourage and is positioning itself as the most determined contender to recruit the Lille midfielder this summer, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein. The Manchester club would be ready to integrate the player immediately, whereas Manchester United and Arsenal are considering an additional season-long loan at the Dogues. PSG, meanwhile, is not among the contenders.

Bouaddi turned 18 last October and already has over 100 professional matches to his name, including 50 this season — ten in the Europa League. A native of Senlis, he started five times with Morocco at the 2026 World Cup, confirming on the international stage the promise shown in Ligue 1.

Lille is considering keeping their player for one more season, but is not ruling out selling him if an offer reaching €100 million materializes. The final decision would rest with the player, who is expected to make a pronouncement soon.

On City’s side, Bernardo Silva’s departure to Real Madrid and uncertainties surrounding several midfielders have made the matter a priority. The club had already spent €135 million to secure Elliot Anderson, a sign that the board is not shying away from massive midfield investments. Rayan Cherki, recruited in summer 2025, also illustrates the Citizens’ appetite for young talent formed in Ligue 1.