Maresca confirms City exits possible as £84m Bouaddi deal nears completion

Enzo Maresca has admitted Manchester City could lose more senior players before the transfer window closes on September 1, with three first-team squad members considered likely departures as the club simultaneously closes in on an £84.1m signing.

City opened their Premier League season with a 2-1 comeback win over Bournemouth at the Etihad on Saturday, with Marc Guehi and Josko Gvardiol scoring late goals to complete what Maresca described as a “perfect day” on his return to the club as manager. Jack Grealish, Nico Gonzalez and Omar Marmoush were all named among the substitutes, with Grealish coming off the bench late on while Gonzalez and Marmoush were unused.

Maresca was careful not to link his selection decisions to the trio’s transfer status. “He is here and it is my duty to coach Jack and to try to get the best from him, and then it is one more week to go and we will see what happens — not only with Jack but also other players,” the manager said. Asked whether the same applied to Gonzalez and Marmoush, Maresca noted that Rayan Ait-Nouri and Vitor Reis also did not feature, adding: “They are not going to leave because they didn’t play today. We will see.”

Tottenham are believed to be close to signing Marmoush, while Savinho’s move to Spurs is expected to be formally confirmed in the coming days. City have agreed a £75m fee for the winger, with a further £5m guaranteed and up to £5m more in add-ons.

On the inbound side, City have struck a deal to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille for an initial £84.1m. The 18-year-old midfielder has agreed a five-year contract with an option for a sixth year, and could be in contention to feature against Crystal Palace on Friday. The length and structure of the deal underline City’s long-term ambitions for the teenager.