Manchester City overtake Arsenal to sign Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi
Manchester City are closing in on the £77m signing of Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi after overtaking domestic rivals Arsenal in the race for the highly-rated teenager.
The reigning FA Cup holders have swooped in to hold advanced talks with the French club following Arsenal’s decision to shift their transfer focus elsewhere.
Personal terms are not expected to be an issue, with the Moroccan international having already agreed a long-term contract at the Etihad until 2031.
City seize advantage in transfer battle
Reports indicate that the Gunners had been leading the pursuit of the midfield sensation just weeks ago.
However, Mikel Arteta’s side have since turned their full attention towards completing a £75m deal for Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes.
This shift in priority from north London has allowed City to move swiftly in negotiations with the Ligue 1 outfit.
A final transfer fee is the only remaining hurdle, with the selling club holding out for £87m while the Manchester giants prefer a £77m agreement.
Midfield revamp continues at Etihad
The pursuit of the teenager comes amid ongoing speculation regarding the future of influential midfielder Rodri.
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has reportedly targeted the Spanish anchor, prompting the Cityzens to accelerate their succession planning.
The highly-coveted prospect would join a significantly revamped squad, following the club’s staggering £116m acquisition of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest earlier this window.
While his current employers are keen to negotiate a season-long loan back to France, City management intend to integrate the young star into their first team immediately.
Arsenal prioritise immediate success
The decision to step away from negotiations highlights a desire at the Emirates to secure established, top-flight talent.
Having lifted the domestic title last season and reached the Champions League final, the capital club are looking to build a sustainable dynasty.
While the North African prodigy shone on the global stage by helping his country reach the World Cup quarter-finals, he is viewed as a longer-term project.
Arsenal are instead determined to add Guimaraes to a formidable central unit that already boasts Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi.