It would take a very clever person indeed to say at this stage where Ayyoub Bouaddi (18) will be playing in the 2026-27 season. Although he is reported to be very close to joining Manchester City – with whom he is said to have already reached an agreement – the Moroccan midfielder remains, for the time being, a Lille OSC player.
An important point that his chairman, Olivier Létang, present at a press conference on Friday, took great care to remind the media of. Whilst he explained that Ayyoub's situation had "not changed" since he last spoke in mid-July, and acknowledged interest from "very, very big clubs", the 53-year-old club executive was nevertheless keen to deny an "imminent deal with a club that plays in sky blue", despite reportedly having received several concrete offers – not just from Manchester City – since the transfer window opened.
"I told you last time that I thought Ayyoub (Bouaddi) was going to stay with us, and I still stand by that," he added. "The idea remains the same: to have a competitive team. If clubs come in at the end of the transfer window for a particular position and we're not in a position to replace the player, then we won't go ahead with the deal."
And although an offer of €100m – matching the player's valuation – would inevitably make him consider a move, Létang was careful to point out that the player's own wishes were also a key factor in any transfer.
"We're in regular contact with Ayyoub (Bouaddi); he's not in a hurry to leave, and he's very keen to stay here too. When you're 18 and at a club like LOSC, where you have the opportunity to play a significant number of matches – including in the Champions League – you naturally ask yourself, why leave now? […] I'll let him speak for himself when the time is right," he concluded.

#ayyoub #club

Manchester City's summer has the feel of a club trying to choreograph renewal without surrendering control. According to talkSPORT, City have "agreed terms with Ayyoub Bouaddi", a significant step in a move that says much about where the Premier League side see their future.
The 19-year-old Lille midfielder has emerged as one of the market's most coveted young players, and City are reportedly "in advanced talks with Lille to sign the breakout World Cup star". That wording matters. It frames Bouaddi as more than a prospect, he is being pursued as a player ready to alter the direction of an elite midfield.
Lille are said to want €100million, which the original report notes is £86m, though "they are willing to discount the price if a loan or pre-agreement can be reached with City". City's preference, however, "is to sign and keep him". That is the language of conviction. Clubs do not usually insist on immediate possession unless they believe the adaptation curve can be shortened.
There is, too, the wider context of competition. "Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Bayern Munich are also understood to have shown interest in Bouaddi." In this sort of market, securing personal terms early can be as valuable as negotiating the fee itself.
The most intriguing strand is what Bouaddi's arrival could mean elsewhere. talkSPORT reports that "a deal for Bouaddi could lead to Rodri leaving City for Real Madrid." It adds that Madrid "have opened initial talks" and that Rodri "has made it clear that he wants to move". If true, City are not merely adding depth, they are preparing for succession at the game's most delicate position.

#lille #talksport

Arsenal have developed a strong relationship with Lille in recent years, completing several deals with the Ligue 1 club. The Gunners have signed players such as Nicolas Pepe and Gabriel from Lille, with the Brazilian defender remaining an important member of their squad.
The current **** nal team is considered one of the strongest in football after achieving success in the league and reaching the Champions League final last season. The Gunners continue to prove they are among the teams to beat and are determined to strengthen their squad further before the new campaign begins.
Arsenal are now considering another potential deal with Lille, with a report from L'Equipe claiming that they have shown strong interest in attacker Matias Fernandez-Pardo as they look to improve their squad.
The 21-year-old enjoyed an impressive season last term, with his performances helping him earn recognition from Belgium as he was included in their World Cup squad. He could now find himself competing for a place in **** nal's team if the transfer is completed.
The Gunners have been monitoring Fernandez-Pardo for several months and believe he has the qualities needed to become a valuable addition to their squad. The report suggests that **** nal could approach the player in the coming week as they continue their recruitment plans.

#arsenal #squad

Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images
Regis Testelin and Loic Tanzi report for L'Equipe that Matias Fernandez-Pardo would like to leave Lille this summer, and **** nal are on a list of clubs with an interest in him.
The Gunners aren't the only ones in the race, with Liverpool, Chelsea, and Atletico Madrid also all reportedly after the striker. But it may not matter, as Lille president Olivier Letang is insisting Fernandez-Pardo isn't leaving.
"The player is under contract until 2029, and his departure is not an issue," Letang said. "We are counting on him, he knows that, and we have been very clear with him."
Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images

#getty #fernandez #regis

Manchester City are closing in on a deal for Lille and Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.
Personal terms are understood to already be in place, but Lille are pushing to keep the 18-year-old on loan for a further season.
Bouaddi would arrive as City's second major central midfield addition of the summer, following the £116 million signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.
Officials at Manchester City are edging closer towards the completion of a blockbuster summer transfer for one of the ultimate stars of the recent FIFA World Cup.
A product of Lille's academy with 96 appearances for the club already to his name, the 18-year-old was one of the standout performers of Morocco's run to the World Cup quarter-finals – a campaign that ended only after a narrow defeat to France.

#manchester #already #year #summer

HNB are reporting that Antwerp are considering bringing former QPR striker Michael Frey back to the club. The Swiss forward enjoyed a prolific time with the Belgian side but left during their **** le winning season after being replaced by Vincent Janssen. However, his move to QPR didn't go as planned and after a few months back in Switzerland he is now a free agent. Janssen has since departed Antwerp and the side could certainly do with having an experienced physical presence like Frey up front. It is not clear yet whether or not Frey is open to the return, given he did not leave Antwerp on the best of terms.
After coming through with Young Boys, Frey moved to Lille in 2014. After just 21 games and three goals, with a loan spell back in Switzerland with Luzern, he returned to Young Boys in 2016. Spells with FC Zurich and Fenerbahce followed, as well as a loan to FC Nurnberg, but Frey could not replicate the success he had had in Swiss football. That was until he joined Beveren, then Waasland-Beveren, on loan for the 2020/2021 season. Despite the sides relegation from the Pro League, Frey impressed with 17 goals in 31 games.
The following season Antwerp brought Frey to Belgium permanently. Frey enjoyed a fantastic first season with the club, scoring 24 goals in 46 games. However, after nine goals in 23 games the following season, Frey wanted to leave, with Janssen having taken his starting spot. Frey joined Schalke 04 initially on loan for the back end of the 2022/2023 season, but failed to score in 15 appearances.
In January of 2024 he left Antwerp permanently, joining QPR. After one goal in nine games, Frey entered the 2024/2025 season hoping to push on. He had a decent if not spectacular first full season for QPR, with nine goals in 31 games. However, he fell down the pecking order and after 13 games without a goal left to join Grasshopper back in Switzerland. Frey ended last season with the Zurich based side, scoring two goals in 16 games.
GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson

#season #games #however #loan

Every indication is that elegant Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi is the second midfielder that Manchester City are aiming to sign this summer. Signing Bouaddi is imperative for City to future-proof their midfield. The 18-year-old Moroccan international looms as a player that City could build their midfield around for the long-term. Bouaddi's ability to maintain possession, read the game and drive the ball up the pitch at such a young age makes him one of the most highly rated young midfielders in European football. It has now been reported that Manchester City are confident of agreeing a deal with Lille to sign Bouaddi as their midfield revamp is seemingly taking shape.
Jack Johnson has reported for TeamTalk that Manchester City are increasingly confident that will agree a deal with Lille to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi. Furthermore, it is also reported that if City do agree to sign the Moroccan international from Lille they will not be loaning him back to the Ligue One side. As per Jack Johnson's report Lille are asking for £85.3 to sell their prized ******* et. They would demand £68 million if Bouaddi was loaned back to them for next season. The indication is that City will pay around £85 million to sign Bouaddi provided that they settle on a deal with Lille.
The midfield situation at Manchester City is ever-evolving. It would seem that the chances that Rodri could leave City for Real Madrid this summer have increased exponentially. City do still have Nico Gonzalez who could attempt to fill that particular void. The possibility that Nico O'Reilly could move into midfield is also a possibility. Elliot Anderson's arrival at the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders adds another quality midfielder to their ranks. However, if Rodri leaves, even if he stays, Manchester City do need another midfielder. Especially one who could one day replace Rodri. Ayyoub Bouaddi does loom as that player.
Ayyoub Bouaddi is a player who could become a long-term player for Manchester City. Of course they have to sign him from Lille first. Bouaddi's age and already established pedigree makes an elite long-term prospect for the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders. Finding a player, especially a midfielder, with those traits is especially difficult. City seem to have identified in Bouaddi and are determined to sign him.
Manchester City's confidence is growing that they will sign Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille this summer. Bouaddi's star rose due to his exceptional performances for Morocco at the World Cup and City will hope to sign him sooner rather than later.

#bouaddi #manchester #player

Christos Tzolis became the most expensive transfer in Greek football history, when he signed for ***** nal this week.
To welcome the 24-year-old to the Premier League champions, let's take a look at the other Greek Gunners…
It's fair to say Giannis Tavlaridis doesn't have the legacy in England that he does in France.
Lille supporters affectionately nicknamed the defender 'Taureau' ('The Bull'), but ***** nal fans only caught brief glimpses of him, mostly in the League Cup.
Arsene Wenger became more willing to hand opportunities to young players after the move to the Emirates, so perhaps Tavlaridis was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

#league #became #christos #gunners

Roma has secured Zeki Celik.
According to Fabrizio Romano, everything is now finalized for the Turkish defender's contract renewal: the signatures have been finalized, and the exchange of documents between the parties has been completed.
The deal can therefore be considered concluded, and now all that's left to do is wait for the Giallorossi's announcement.
This marks a positive conclusion to negotiations that have been underway by management over the past few weeks. Celik's previous contract, signed upon his transfer from Lille in the summer of 2022, ran until June 30, 2026.
Roma has chosen to continue with the 20-year-old, avoiding losing him after the agreement expires.

Sunderland have signed Belgium defender Thomas Meunier on a two-year deal following his departure from French side Lille.
The 34-year-old has made more than 550 senior club appearances and previously had spells with Club Brugge, Paris St-Germain, where he won three league ****** les, Borussia Dortmund and Turkish side Trabzonspor.
He also has 83 international caps and played for Belgium at the 2026 World Cup.
Meunier is the Black Cats' first signing of the season after the departures of forward Eliezer Mayenda and midfielder Dan Neil.
"We are delighted to welcome Thomas to Sunderland," said director of football Florent Ghisolfi.

Veteran Belgian defender Thomas Meunier said he was "hugely excited" to "begin a new chapter" after he signed for Premier League side Sunderland on a free transfer on Wednesday.
The 34-year-old -- one of Belgium's 'golden generation' whose last hurrah was a World Cup quarter-final exit to Spain -- signed a two-year contract.
The 83-times capped Meunier, who has played club football at the top level in his homeland, Germany, Turkey and France, had been at Ligue 1 side Lille.
"I am hugely excited and honoured to join Sunderland," said Meunier in a statement on the Sunderland website.
"I'm very happy to be here and to begin this new chapter in my career.

Sunderland have announced the signing of Belgium international Thomas Meunier on a two-year deal.
The defender joins the Black Cats on a free transfer after having spent the last two seasons in France with Lille.
"I am hugely excited and honoured to join Sunderland," the 34-year-old said on his arrival.
"I'm very happy to be here and to begin this new chapter in my career. The Premier League is one of the most competitive and exciting leagues in the world, and it's a challenge I've wanted to experience.
"When I spoke with the club, I was impressed by the ambition, the project and the desire to keep moving forward. Competing in Europe was also a big factor in my decision because, as a player, you always want to test yourself against the best teams and compete for trophies."

Sunderland look set to announce the signing of former Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund right-back Thomas Meunier on a free transfer following his release from Lille at the end of his contract this summer.
The 34-year-old, who made three appearances for Belgium at the World Cup and bagged two **** ists, has a proven track record of playing at the very highest level, and joins Sunderland at probably the most exciting time in our history.
Fans of Lutsharel Geertruida may not want to hear this, but bringing in someone of Meunier’s ability to add extra strength in depth to our defence seems a more sensible option, particularly when resources will be needed in other areas of the pitch to ensure we can bring in genuine top-class players. Signing a player of Meunier’s calibre on a free seems a sensible and logical move on paper.
I see very few downsides when it comes to this transfer, to be honest.
One of the most interesting aspects of this transfer to me is that it’s a great example of how having the lure of European football will help us to pip other clubs to good players this summer.

Ayyoub Bouaddi’s decision on his future is in the offing as Manchester City “push hard” to secure the Lille midfielder’s signature, as per new reports.
The Moroccan has been a sensation during the 2026 FIFA World Cup and played a starring role in his nation’s impressive run to the quarter-final stage, which saw them bow out at the hands of favourites France.
His performances have garnered attention from clubs across Europe during this summer’s window, with City’s director of football Hugo Viana a huge admirer of the 18-year-old, who has already appeared 63 times for LOSC Lille in France’s top-tier.
Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi poised for major position change at Manchester City
Manchester City‘s interest in Bouaddi comes as we await formalities to be completed on Elliot Anderson‘s £116 million move from Nottingham Forest after he returns from World Cup action with semi-finalists England – and with murmurs of moves for Nico Gonzalez and Tijjani Reijnders, a new look midfield may be favourable for new City boss Enzo Maresca.

Manchester United have numerous players on their list of targets for their midfield rebuild.
Youngster Cristian Orozco is scheduled to join the club soon from Fortaleza FC.
The club have also reached an agreement with Chelsea over the signing of Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos.
United have also recently been linked with options such as AFC Bournemouth's Alex Scott and LOSC Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi.
Another player the club has been linked with lately is AS Roma midfielder Manu Kone.

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — England mollified its critics for a week after smothering a dismal Fiji by a record 73-8 in Nations Championship rugby on Saturday.
Relevant questions about England's lineup, tactics and attitude after the hammering from world champion South Africa in Johannesburg last weekend were pacified somewhat by coming home and posting an equally unsurprising 11-try win against outclassed Fiji.
Fiji struggled for possession and could not handle England's scrum, maul and defense. Under pressure, Fiji conceded 12 penalties — nine by halftime — and a red card to scrumhalf Simione Kuruvoli for lashing out with his boot into the stomach of Ellis Genge.
That meant Fiji played the entire second half down a man and England could play wider and be ruthless. Up 35-3 at halftime, England added six more tries, including a hat trick for replacement flanker Henry Pollock. Fin Smith converted nine.
England tallied a record score against Fiji and its biggest win since beating Chile 71-0 in Lille at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Lille OSC have struck an agreement to sign Sevilla's Tanguy Nianzou (24), according to a report from Foot Mercato.
Having come through the ranks at Paris Saint-Germain, Nianzou decided to join Bayern Munich in the summer of 2020, following the expiry of his contract. However, things did not go as planned in Germany, where he suffered numerous injuries and made just 28 appearances (one goal, one ***** ist), before joining Sevilla two years later.
His spell in Spain was also marked by several setbacks, due to a lack of full fitness that he never fully regained, resulting in the French defender making just 62 appearances over four seasons.
He is now set for a return to France. An agreement between Lille and Sevilla has been struck. In financial difficulty, the latter were keen to facilitate a deal in order to decrease their wage bill. The value of the deal has not been revealed.
Nianzou is now all set to undergo a medical with Les Dogues. Should he pass the medical, the defender would sign his contract next week.

Lille OSC are reportedly interested in signing Sevilla FC's Tanguy Nianzou (24), according to Foot Mercato. Talks between the two clubs are said to have already begun and are progressing rapidly.
Facing significant financial difficulties, the Andalusian club would welcome the opportunity to reduce its wage bill by parting ways with the centre-back, whose contract runs until 2027. As such, Sevilla's management are reportedly not being overly demanding regarding the transfer fee for the Paris-born player.
Having come through the ranks at Paris Saint-Germain, Nianzou decided to join Bayern Munich in the summer of 2020, following the expiry of his contract. However, things did not go as planned in Germany, where he suffered numerous injuries and made just 28 appearances (one goal, one ****** ist), before joining Sevilla two years later.
His spell in Spain was also marked by several setbacks, due to a lack of full fitness that he never fully regained, resulting in the French defender making just 62 appearances over four seasons.
GFFN | Léo Aschi

An Irishman and a Frenchman are sitting in an Irish pub in Lille on a wet Saturday afternoon.
It's not the start of a joke, but it's a story of connection, community and discovering a new sport.
It is well known that Gaelic games have expanded far beyond its Irish roots with teams as far as London, the USA, Africa and Australia.
But it is in mainland Europe where it is really starting to grow.
Originally from Dublin, Turnbull has been involved with GAA as long as he can remember.

After FIFA's controversial decision to lift Folarin Balogun's suspension, USMNT welcome Belgium in Seattle as the Round of 16 action continues at the World Cup. Their top-scorer starts up front, despite his red card in the previous round against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
After the dismissal of the Monaco striker, who scored the opener at the stroke of half-time, Malik Tillman sealed the victory for Mauricio Pochettino’s men with a direct free-kick goal. Bayer Leverkusen’s midfielder is on the starting lineup once again, while Gladbach's duo Joe Scally and Gio Reyna are on the bench.
Meanwhile, Arthur Theate is dropped to the bench by Rudi Garcia after he started the last two games for Belgium. Lille's centre-back Nathan Ngoy won his place back from Eintracht Frankfurt's defender. Belgium came from a two-goal deficit in the Round of 16 to beat Senegal in extra-time. As expected, the French coach made several changes including dropping Kevin de Bruyne and Jeremy Doku to the bench.
USA XI: Freese; Freeman, Richards, Ream ©, Robinson; Tillman, Adams, McKennie; Dest, Balogun, Pulisic
Belgium XI: Courtois; Castagne, Mechele, Ngoy, de Cuyper; Onana, Raskin; Lukebakio, Tielemans ©, Trossard; Charles de Ketelaere

With Elliot Anderson now a Manchester City player, the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders remain in the market for another midfielder. City signed Anderson from Nottingham Forest to fill a serious hole in their midfield. However, the consensus is that Enzo Maresca’s squad still needs one more quality midfielder. The only prominent midfielder who has consistently been named as a City target is Lille and Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. Has Manchester City settled on their next midfield target? It seems that way, as there are no serious links to any other midfielders from a Manchester City point of view.
Sam Lee has reported in the most recent Transfer DealSheet for The Athletic, that Manchester City like and admire Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. Furthermore, Lee reports that City have considered signing Bouaddi this summer and loaning him back to Lille. However, given how talented Bouaddi is, the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders are also considering signing Bouaddi and keeping him as a member of Enzo Maresca’s squad for next season. Interestingly, Sam Lee adds that City believes that Bouaddi could slot in at right-back if needed.
Outside of Manchester City’s continued reported interest in Ayyoub Bouaddi, it is all quiet on the midfielder front. Chris Wheeler has reported for the Daily Mail that City, alongside Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham have an interest in signing Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott. The Cherries have no intention of selling Scott and are hoping to extend his contract which runs until 2028.
A Manchester City move for Ayyoub Bouaddi does seem like the most practical move at this stage. City will need to find Rodri’s long-term replacement, and Bouaddi seems to be the ideal player to be exactly this. Whether or not City can sign the Moroccan sensation from Lille remains to be seen. However, it is a move that makes sense. Given that Morocco remains in the World Cup with a quarter-final tie against France on the horizon, it is unlikely that there will be any further updates on Bouaddi’s future until Morocco’s participation in the World Cup is over.
Also, Manchester City have not been linked with any other midfielders of note. A City move for Alex Scott seems unlikely. Bournemouth do not wish to sell Scott and he may not fit Manchester City’s needs. It could also be a case of Manchester City’s next midfield target having not yet been revealed. Hugo Viana has a form for pivoting in the transfer market. Whether or not this will take place isn’t yet known.

The United States Men’s National Team continues to advance at the 2026 World Cup, having taken down Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 by a 2-0 margin. The tournament field continues to narrow, and the opponents grow more daunting, with Belgium hoping to spoil the co-hosts’ party and advance to the quarterfinal. The European program is looking to improve on a third-place finish in 2018, which would be quite the welcome surprise well after a golden generation. Seattle, Washington’s Lumen Field – a 72,000-seat multi-purpose stadium with a temporary stitched natural grass surface – hosts the fixture.
This is the eighth all-time meeting between the two nations, with the USMNT carrying a 1-6-0 record and falling in the most recent match, a friendly defeat (2-5) in March. Ranked 10th internationally by FIFA, Belgium reached the World Cup by finishing atop UEFA’s Group J of qualifying with a 5-0-3 record, besting Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, and Liechtenstein. At the current competition, the Red Devils claimed Group G with draws against Egypt (1-1) and Iran (0-0) and a victory over New Zealand (5-1) before requiring extra time and a fortuitous penalty to top Senegal (3-2) in the Round of 32.
Rudi Garcia was appointed to lead the program in January 2025, his first international gig after leading a variety of club sides including Lille, Roma, Marseille, Lyon, Al Nassr, and Napoli. The 62-year-old Frenchman believes that his squad is “very driven” and “aiming high” with the capacity to “achieve great things.” He has praised the “oldies” in his group, defending them against treatment as “has-beens.”
Garcia named a 26-player roster for the World Cup. The Belgian Pro League is home to three of the call-ups, while seven talents are on the books of Premier League clubs, five compete in Ligue 1, and five can be found in Serie A. Notable absences include Michy Batshuayi, Loïs Openda, Matz Sels, and Malick Fofana.
***
GOALKEEPERS (3): Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), Senne Lammens (Manchester United), Mike Penders (Strasbourg)
DEFENDERS (9): Zeno Debast (Sporting CP), Arthur Theate (Eintracht Frankfurt), Brandon Mechele (Club Brugge), Maxim De Cuyper (Brighton & Hove Albion), Thomas Meunier (Lille), Koni De Winter (Milan), Joaquin Seys (Club Brugge), Timothy Castagne (Fulham), Nathan Ngoy (Lille)
MIDFIELDERS (7): Axel Witsel (Girona), Kevin De Bruyne (Napoli), Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa), Diego Moreira (Strasbourg), Hans Vanaken (Club Brugge), Nicolas Raskin (Rangers), Amadou Onana (Aston Villa)
FORWARDS (7): Romelu Lukaku (Napoli), Leandro Trossard (Arsenal), Jérémy Doku (Manchester City), Dodi Lukébakio (Benfica), Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta), Alexis Saelemaekers (Milan), Matias Fernandez-Pardo (Lille)
***
Garcia has utilized a few different formations but appears to be sticking to the 4-2-3-1/5-4-1 at the World Cup, with a traditional midfielder dropped into the back line when defending. The squad engages in a total press that “force

Morocco stole hearts with their run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the north Africans are once again shining on the global stage, although there is one important difference this time - the addition of teenage sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi.
The 18-year-old was the talk of social media following his superb showing in Morocco's tournament opener against Brazil, overshadowing the established opposition midfield duo of Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes.
Both those players featured in the Premier League last season and after becoming one of the stars of the opening weeks of the World Cup, Lille midfielder Bouaddi is attracting the attention of the biggest clubs in England and Europe.
"Anyone who has watched him at Lille knows his level," former Morocco international Hassan Kachloul tells BBC Sport. "He is regarded as a top prospect.
"Against players like Casemiro, Lucas Paqueta and Bruno Guimaraes, he showed not just quality but personality - a kind of positive arrogance. He had confidence, a great aura and a strong presence on the pitch. He thrives in that environment."

Manchester United have been forced to look beyond the Premier League as they ramp up their search for Casemiro's successor.
INEOS always favoured a Premier League-proven option to replace the Brazilian, but they have failed to land any of their top three targets: Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali, and Mateus Fernandes.
Bournemouth's Alex Scott is the backup option, but the Cherries have raised his asking price, making it difficult for the Red Devils to seal the deal.
With Michael Carrick demanding three new signings to revamp the midfield, the co-owners have been forced to change their stance, with Ayyoub Bouaddi of Lille emerging as the new primary target.
In fact, so enamoured are the 20-time English league champions that they have muscled their way to the top of the queue for the 18-year-old.

Roma are seeking reinforcements on the flanks.
Celik's contract renewal will be made official in the coming days, but there's a need to raise the bar on the flanks occupied by the match.
Besides the former Lille player, the Giallorossi's most reliable winger is Wesley. Behind him are Rensch and Angelino, who is coming off a nightmare season due to physical issues that prevented him from playing for almost the entire season.
Roma, therefore, have set their sights on Strasbourg's Diego Moreira.
The left-back, born in 2004, is making his mark during the World Cup with Belgium. Garcia included him in the match against Senegal and was instrumental in the comeback that materialized in extra time.

Olympique de Marseille will prioritise player sales before strengthening Bruno Genesio’s squad this summer as the club continues to work within financial constraints imposed by the DNCG, according to L’Équipe. The former Lille manager was officially appointed on Wednesday, but his first transfer window is expected to be dominated by departures rather than arrivals.
OM have informed the DNCG that significant sales would be made throughout the summer to reduce the club’s wage bill, which currently stands at close to €160m and must be cut below the €100m mark. Sporting director Grégory Lorenzi has circulated a list of players to agents in an effort to facilitate exits.
Among those available are Ulisses Garcia, Amine Harit, Neal Maupay, Geoffrey Kondogbia and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Gabon international, who recently turned 37, has attracted interest from Turkey, MLS, Saudi Arabia and Spain, although Marseille have not ruled out him remaining under Genesio if no suitable offer arrives.
GFFN | Liam Wraith

Manchester City remain in the market for another midfielder after signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. Today has seen one potential City target come off the board and a new player being named as a potential transfer target for the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders.
Newcastle United's Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali was considered a target for the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders. However, David Ornstein has reported for The Athletic that Tonali is set to complete a £100 million move to Tottenham from Newcastle after the two teams reached an agreement for the Italian international. So Tonali is off the board for City. Now a new report from Marca indicates that City have held talks with Real Madrid over versatile midfielder Eduardo Camavinga. Perhaps Camavinga is the midfielder that City could move for. However, there are fitness concerns over Camavinga that may see City look elsewhere to strengthen their midfield.
Matteo Moretto has reported for Marca that Manchester City and Real Madrid have held talks over Eduardo Camavinga. Furthermore, it is reported that new Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has approved the sale of Camavinga this summer. It is reported that Mourinho has not been impressed with Camavinga's performances for Real Madrid in recent seasons.
It is also reported by Marca that Manchester City remain interested in signing Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille this summer. Talks have been held between City and Lille. Moretto reports that City are still considering whether or not to sign Bouaddi immediately or loan him back to Lille for the 2026-27 season. Lastly, it is reported that any potential Manchester City move for Eduardo Camavinga is seen as a transfer market opportunity.
If Manchester City were in the market for a midfielder who could come in and be a squad player, Eduardo Camavinga could be a good addition to their squad. Camavinga is a versatile player who can play in a variety of roles in midfield or as a left-back. Technically, Camavinga is gifted and his ability to carry the ball in midfield stands out in his game. Also, Camavinga is exceptional in a challenge and he reads the game and anticipates danger very well. With how the Premier League has evolved, Camavinga could play an important role in Manchester City's midfield. However, there are concerns surrounding the French midfielder.

City admire Bouaddi and are weighing up how best to proceed with a potential move this summer
One option under consideration is loaning the 18-year-old back to Lille for the 2026-27 season
Bouaddi is viewed as a player who could be converted to right-back under Enzo Maresca
Manchester City are considering a major positional change for midfield talent Ayyoub Bouaddi, should they manage to sign the Morocco international this summer.
Bouaddi has emerged as one of the standout young midfielders in European football, with the teenager’s performances for Lille and at the FIFA World Cup with Morocco drawing the attention of several of the continent’s most prominent clubs ahead of the summer window.

Marseille said on Wednesday Bruno Genesio has replaced Habib Beye as coach of the Ligue 1 club.
Former Aston Villa defender Beye left the position on Tuesday having failed to secure Champions League football in his four months in charge on the Mediterranean coast.
Genesio, 59, left Lille at the end of last season having guided the northern outfit to the elite European competition.
The managerial debate at Marseille had been put on ice earlier in June after the club were hit with sanctions by UEFA for failing to meet the European football governing body's break-even targets.
"This appointment is part of the new sporting cycle undertaken by the club in order to pursue its development and sustainably strengthen its competitiveness at the highest level," Marseille said.

Olympique de Marseille officially announced on Tuesday that their collaboration with manager Habib Beye had come to an end.
Appointed in February to succeed Roberto De Zerbi, the Senegalese manager failed to meet the targets set for him by the club's board, namely to qualify the team for the 2026-27 Champions League and to win the Coupe de France.
Knocked out at the quarter-final stage of the competition by Toulouse FC (2-2, 3-4 a.e.t.), the Olympians finished their Ligue 1 season in fifth place in the table, securing qualification for the Europa League. In total, Beye won just six of the 14 matches he managed from the OM dugout, suffering six defeats and two draws.
"Olympique de Marseille announces that it is ending its collaboration with Habib Beye. The club thanks Habib Beye and wishes him all the best for the rest of his career," the club said in a statement.
His announced successor, Bruno Genesio, the former Lille OSC manager, is expected to be officially confirmed by the French club shortly.