Manchester City in advanced talks with Lille to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi | OneFootball

Manchester City are in advanced talks with Lille to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi, per BBC Sport. 

City have identified Bouaddi as a replacement for Rodri, who is set to join Barcelona in a deal worth £65.3 million. 

The Premier League giants would ideally like to keep Rodri, but he has made it clear he wants to return to Spain. 

With the 30-year-old having entered the final year of his contract, the Manchester club have decided to cash in on him this summer.  

Man City have now stepped up their pursuit of Bouaddi, who is renowned for his composure under pressure, tactical intelligence and ball-carrying ability. 

They plan to wrap up a move for the young midfielder this week. 

Lille have set a firm valuation of £85.6m for the Morocco international, who is currently contracted until 2029. 

Bouaddi impressed with his performances at the summer’s World Cup, starting five matches for Morocco in their run to the quarter-finals. 

He has already made 96 appearances for Lille across all competitions. He featured 42 times for the French club last term, helping them finish third in Ligue 1. 

City have also been linked with Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, but they have refused to meet the asking price.

Stats from Transfermarkt.