Manchester City are leading the pursuit of Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, with the Premier League side pushing hard to secure the Morocco international ahead of an imminent decision on his future, according to a report by David Ornstein for The Athletic.

World Cup performances sharpen European interest

Bouaddi, 18, was already on the radar of Europe's top clubs before the FIFA World Cup, but his performances for Morocco sharpened that interest considerably. He featured in every match of Morocco's run to the quarter-finals — missing only the final group-stage fixture against Haiti — and started the Atlas Lions' last-eight defeat against France.

Ornstein reports that the World Cup "served to confirm both his existing level and future potential," in turn intensifying the competition among the clubs tracking him. Prominent in that group are Manchester City, described as pushing hardest among the leading suitors.

Bouaddi's background and path to Morocco

Born in northern France, Bouaddi joined Lille's academy five years ago and has now made more than 60 Ligue 1 appearances since his debut in 2023. He rose through France's youth set-up from under-16 to under-21 level between 2022 and 2024, but ultimately chose to represent Morocco at senior international level.

The switch was swift and striking: fewer than two months after appearing for France Under-21s against Iceland, Bouaddi was named in Mohamed Ouahbi's World Cup squad — without having played a single senior international for Morocco prior to the tournament.

£85 million asking price and rival clubs

Lille are understood to be willing to sell Bouaddi for a fee in the region of £85 million — a sum that is likely to test the resolve of several interested parties. Ornstein notes that Arsenal and Manchester United have both been in contact with Bouaddi's camp over the past year, alongside City.

While some clubs would be open to completing a deal and allowing Bouaddi to remain at Lille on loan for another season, City are understood to prefer integrating him into their squad immediately.

City's busy summer window

Manchester City have already moved decisively in the transfer market this summer. England midfielder Elliot Anderson has arrived from Nottingham Forest, while 19-year-old winger Mathys Detourbet was signed from Troyes and loaned directly to Monaco. Goalkeeper Pierce Charles and winger Jeremy Monga have also joined from Championship-relegated clubs.

Departures have been equally significant: centre-backs Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake have been sold, while Bernardo Silva and John Stones both left after their contracts expired.