Enzo Maresca confirms Man City transfer plan as Ayyoub Bouaddi links intensify | OneFootball

Young Moroccan has been tipped to replace Rodri, who is nearing the exit door

City are in talks to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille but may also lose two midfielders.

Tijjani Reijnders is expected to join Saudi side Al Qadsiah, while Barcelona are trying to sign Rodri. City have already rejected multiple bids for the World Cup winner, who has one year left on his contract.

Rodri was not part of the travelling party for City on Sunday as they lost 3-0 to Arsenal in the Community Shield at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.

Speaking after the game, Maresca revealed his expectation that City will be “busy” in the window before it closes on August 31.

“We knew already before the game the things that we need to do [in the transfer window],” the Italian said. “It is not because we lost the game.

“We are quite clear. For sure, we are going to do something before the transfer window closes.”

Maresca was asked about Bouaddi and appeared to nod in acknowledgement when asked about the teenaged Moroccan.

“He is still a Lille player,” Maresca said. “But any new signing as soon as they arrive, it’s better [for us], because we have the Premier League starting in one week.”

Asked whether City missed Rodri against Arsenal, Maresca said: “Rodri is a player that just won the World Cup, the Ballon d’Or — a top player that all teams need a player like. It’s not about if we miss Rodri or not.”