Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has officially confirmed the club will remain active in the transfer market before the window closes. Speaking after a 3-0 Community Shield defeat to Arsenal, Maresca addressed the ongoing negotiations for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who was impressive at this year’s World Cup. Maresca stopped short of discussing Bouaddi directly, but indicated City were keen to complete any incoming deals quickly, stating that it’s better for new signings to arrive as soon as possible so they can understand the way the team needs to play.
The club is reportedly close to signing 18-year-old Moroccan Ayyoub Bouaddi from French club Lille in a deal that could be worth 85 million pounds. However, Lille are counting on him for their new Champions League campaign and are reluctant to sell, meaning a transfer would cost in excess of €80million. Maresca’s comments suggest that City are considering how best to proceed with a move for Bouaddi, and the club’s search for a new right-back has not been easy. They are big admirers of Chelsea’s Malo Gusto, but Chelsea value him at £75million, which is considered prohibitively high.
Maresca’s confirmation that City will make more signings before the window closes will be welcome news for fans, who have been eagerly awaiting new arrivals. The manager’s comments also provide insight into the club’s transfer strategy, with a focus on bringing in players who can quickly adapt to the team’s style of play. With the transfer window still open, City will be looking to complete any incoming deals as soon as possible, and the signing of Bouaddi could be a major coup for the club. The 18-year-old’s impressive performance at the World Cup has caught the attention of several top clubs, and City will be hoping to secure his signature before the window closes.
The absence of Rodri, who is linked with a move to Barcelona, was notable in the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal. However, Maresca’s comments suggest that the club is focused on bringing in new players, rather than worrying about potential departures. With the new season just around the corner, City will be looking to strengthen their squad and make a strong challenge for the title. The signing of Bouaddi could be a key part of that strategy, and fans will be eagerly awaiting news of any new arrivals in the coming days.
As the transfer window enters its final stages, City will be looking to complete any outstanding deals and finalize their squad for the new season. Maresca’s confirmation that the club will remain active in the transfer market is a clear indication that City are committed to bringing in the best players available. With the likes of Bouaddi and Gusto being considered, City fans can expect an exciting few weeks as the club looks to strengthen its squad and make a push for the title.
