Man City fans lose their minds over Ayyoub Bouaddi transfer hint

Manchester City appear to have joined the vast number of clubs interested in Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi this summer.

Despite a standout season in Ligue 1, the 18-year-old appears to have gone under the radar across the rest of Europe, until now, apparently.

He made his World Cup debut with Morocco, forming a midfield partnership with Roma's Neil El Aynaoui against Brazil, and finishing the game as one of the best players on the pitch.

Alarm bells were instantly set off, especially in the Premier League, with a whole host of giants now lining up to seal his signature ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

All signs are pointing towards a big-money move for the Morocco international, but it is just a question about where he ends up this summer.

And with his next move being detailed amid interest from the likes of Arsenal, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, widly-known journalist Matteo Moretto has added fuel to the fire.

The Citizens have no yet been strongly linked with a move for the midfielder, but with Moretto simply replying, 'Manchester City?', supporters are in meltdown on social media.

City fans are growing in belief that a deal could be done for Bouaddi, though it does throw doubt over a potential move for Sandro Tonali.

Ayyoub Bouaddi to https://t.co/SPd75YRami

Questions have already been raised about how much longer Rodri may have left at the Etihad Stadium, with the player about to enter the final 12 months of his contract.

With constant links to Elliot Anderson and Tonali, the Citizens appear to be putting contingency plans in place should the Spaniard depart.

While Anderson and Tonali are clearly talented in both halves of the pitch, Bouaddi's abilities come primarily in the defensive third, in front of his own goal.

That is exactly the kind of figure that Enzo Maresca will need to fill Rodri's shoes, so it would appear that the 30-year-old may not have much longer left.