Ayyoub Bouaddi: Odds-on favourite emerges in Liverpool, Arsenal and Man City race
Bouaddi has emerged as one of the unlikely stars of the World Cup this summer after shining in Morocco's midfield.
The 18-year-old could be in line to win the Young Player of the Tournament award despite his country being beaten by France in the quarter-finals last week.
He earned a spot in the Atlas Lions' starting eleven after excelling with Lille all season long, and numerous top clubs are keen on his services this summer.
City are the current favourites to land his services ahead of any other Premier League clubs.
They have already moved to snap Elliot Anderson up for a British record fee this summer, while several other midfielders remain on their radar.
Man City leading bookies' race to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi
Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that City could agree to loan Bouaddi back to Lille this summer after a deal is potentially completed.
Numerous reports have also claimed that Liverpool and Arsenal are keen on his services too.
The 18-year-old box-to-box star played 42 times across all competitions for Lille last season and could continue his progress in Ligue 1.
He was a part of France's under-21 set-up until March, but his decision to declare for Morocco has clearly paid off this summer.
One of the top UK bookmakers has City as the clear favourites to sign him this summer, at odds of 10/11.
Arsenal are second-favourites to be his next club, at 6/4, while Liverpool are further down the bookies' pecking order at 6/1.
What has Bouaddi said about his future plans?
New City boss Enzo Maresca is keen to shake up his midfield options as a possible decision lingers over Bouaddi's future.
Mateo Kovacic will reportedly be allowed to leave this summer to make way for new additions in the middle of the park, after being told that he is surplus to requirements at the Etihad Stadium.
Bouaddi addressed his future at Lille in an interview with L'Équipe midway through last season, saying: "I have extended until 2029 and next year is still far away. I am focused on this season and we have things to fight for.
"As I also said to the president (Olivier Letang), at the end of the season, there will be a choice to be made, and anything can happen. We don't know what will happen."