Enzo Maresca confirms Manchester City transfer plans after record Elliot Anderson deal | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca has confirmed Manchester City are actively discussing transfer targets with Hugo Viana and are planning further additions before the window closes, while insisting he is satisfied with the squad currently at his disposal in Hong Kong.

The 46-year-old was speaking in a press conference in the days leading to City’s pre-season opener against Inter Milan in Hong Kong as an underwhelming showing on penalties meant Maresca’s men fell to defeat in his first game in charge of the club after a 1-1 draw in normal time.

The Blues are expected to make a series of new additions to the first-team squad before the window closes, with several departures also in the offing after what has been a dormant month on the transfer front.

City are negotiating a deal with Lille for midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi as Rodri flirts with Real Madrid, with a new winger also expected to come in as Savinho pushes for a move to Tottenham.

A fresh right-back recruit is also on the cards at the Etihad Stadium as Maresca looks to kickstart a new era at the club after a decade of unprecedented success under Pep Guardiola.

Maresca: We are going to do something but we are looking at different positions

Pressed over the weekend on whether Manchester City are in the market for another midfielder following the club record £116 million acquisition of Elliot Anderson, Maresca said: “We are talking with Hugo (Viana, City director of football), with the club about some targets.

“It’s a normal situation when the transfer window is open, anything can happen. For sure, we are going to do something but we are looking at different positions.”

Asked whether he knows exactly how many players City will add before the window closes, Maresca acknowledged the uncertainty inherent in any transfer market at this stage of the summer.

“No, in this moment, we have, as you know, many young players here,” the Italian added. “At the moment, I’m very satisfied with the ones who we have here (in Asia for pre-season).

“Many young players, good, full of energy and when the season starts, we’ll have all of our senior players here and they’re important. I’m excited for the season ahead, no doubt.”

City are expected to expedite their dealings in the window sooner rather than later, with Mateo Kovacic confirming on Tuesday that he will stay at the club this summer, adding further clarity to how Maresca’s midfield roster will shape up next season.