Manchester City have reached an agreement in principle with Lille for the transfer of 18-year-old Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi in a deal that could rise to £85.6 million.
The Premier League club are set to pay an initial £81.4 million for the midfielder, with a further £4.2 million potentially due in add-ons.
Bouaddi is expected to complete his move to England after City and Lille reached an agreement, with the teenager identified as a key addition to strengthen the club’s midfield.
City are rebuilding the position following the departures of Rodri to Barcelona for £65 million and Tijjani Reijnders to Saudi Arabian club Al-Qadsiah for £52 million.
The club have already spent £116 million on England international Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest this summer, while they remain interested in Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
Bouaddi’s proposed arrival would further strengthen manager Enzo Maresca’s midfield options ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
(The Sun)