Man City may hold advantage in race to sign Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi

Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi has several suitors who are seeking to prise him away from the French side.

Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich are reportedly interested in the Moroccan. Liverpool have also been credited with an interest in him.

After helping Lille secure Champions League qualification last term, he has carried his superb form onto the international stage.

He has played a pivotal role in Morocco’s run to the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, showing he can rub shoulders with more-established stars.

Man City may hold the advantage in race for Bouaddi

Lille are ready to sell Bouaddi for a fee around £70 million, but prefer a sale with a one-year loan so that he can continue his development at the club.

The Athletic now claim that City are open to loaning Bouaddi back to Lille for a season, if they win the race for his signature.

However, they are also considering keeping the France-born midfielder instead, with manager Enzo Maresca keen on strengthening his midfield options.

His ability to play at right-back — a position City want to strengthen this summer — is another reason they would want to keep him if they agree a deal with Lille.

The Cityzens have already agreed a deal for England international Elliot Anderson, but want to sign another midfielder.

Mateo Kovacic and Nico Gonzalez could depart. Rodri is also expected to miss the start of the season as he will undergo surgery on an unspecified injury after the World Cup, leaving Maresca short of midfield options.

Man City must now decide whether to step up their interest in Bouaddi or explore alternatives to strengthen their midfield.

The Cityzens are also interested in Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali, but face strong competition from Tottenham Hotspur. They have also been linked with West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes.