Manchester City near €100m Ayyoub Bouaddi signing as Rodri transfer talks with Barcelona progress

On 10 August 2026, Manchester City moved to finalise the transfer of 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille as the club prepares for the Community Shield and the new season. Bouaddi has agreed personal terms with City while Lille value him at about €100m (£85m) and discussions between the clubs are ongoing.

City’s new manager, Enzo Maresca, is believed to want Bouaddi integrated into the first-team squad immediately for the coming campaign. The club meet Arsenal in the Community Shield this Sunday and will open their Premier League season against Bournemouth on 23 August; City are working to complete the Bouaddi deal ahead of those fixtures.

Manchester City’s pursuit of Bouaddi comes as Rodri’s exit to Barcelona appears increasingly likely. Barcelona’s initial €45m offer was rejected last week and they will have to return with an improved bid this week if they are to secure the 30-year-old.

The sale of Ferran Torres, who is reportedly of interest to Paris Saint-Germain, has been identified as a potential source of funds for Barcelona to complete a Rodri deal. City are understood to be resigned to selling Rodri, who has one year remaining on his contract.

If Bouaddi’s transfer is completed he would link up with Elliot Anderson, who arrived earlier in the summer from Nottingham Forest for £116m, as part of Maresca’s reshaped midfield. The squad has also lost the experience of Bernardo Silva this summer, further changing the club’s midfield makeup.

Separately, Manchester United are reported to be tracking Leicester teenager Louis Page, with Arsenal also interested; Page, an 18-year-old midfielder, is believed to favour a move to Old Trafford. United face competition from Arsenal in attempts to secure the England youth prospect.

Barcelona must return this week with an improved offer for Rodri following the rejected €45m bid, while City continue negotiations with Lille over Bouaddi’s €100m valuation as they prepare for the Community Shield and the Premier League opener on 23 August.