Manchester City are reportedly plotting a move for Lille's teenage midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, with the club understood to have made a firm internal decision to pursue him despite interest from elsewhere in Europe.
According to EPL Index, City's interest in the young Frenchman is less about a reactive scramble and more a calculated piece of long-term midfield planning, with the club convinced of his profile and potential fit within Pep Guardiola's system. The report suggests City see Bouaddi as a building block for the future rather than a short-term squad filler, indicating the Etihad hierarchy have identified him as central to their next midfield evolution.
Bouaddi has emerged as one of the most sought-after young talents following a breakout World Cup showing, and rival clubs are said to be circling as his stock rises. While no formal bid or agreement has been confirmed, City's conviction reportedly sets them apart from other suitors weighing up their options, positioning them as front-runners should a deal materialise. Lille are yet to comment publicly on any approach.