Man City to officially announce signing of Rodri replacement as deal finalised
Manchester City already have a replacement for Rodri lined up as they close in on Ayyoub Bouaddi, sources have told Football Insider.
Enzo Maresca's side have been working on a deal for the 18-year-old over the last few weeks and are now confident that his signing will be officially sealed in the near future.
City have beaten a number of rivals to the Morocco international's signature following his breakout World Cup performances, and he is eyeing a big role in the side.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Man City are closing in on completing Bouaddi's signing, and may sign one more midfielder alongside him.
This comes amid ongoing speculation linking City with a number of top midfielders, after Rodri completed his £65.4million move to Barcelona earlier this week.
Bouaddi emerged as a leading target for Maresca even before Rodri's exit, but he could now be handed the opportunity to stake a claim for a regular place in the XI.
Will Ayyoub Bouaddi be a replacement for Rodri?
Former Aston Villa CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider last month that Man City were closing in on signing Bouaddi for a fee blow Lille's inital lofty asking price.
Negotiations between the two clubs have been accelerating over the last six weeks, and as they edge closer to agreeing a deal, Man City are confident of getting it done.
Despite looking at other options to strengthen in midfield, Bouaddi has been their priority, and alternatives will be considered alongside him onve the deal is sealed.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "They are rebuilding that midfield, Man City, with Bernardo Silva leaving in summer, Rodri's gone, Tijjani Reijnders has gone as well.
"So far, they've only brought in Elliot Anderson, but it does look like they will sign Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille to fill the void left by Rodri.
"Then they will have a look at other targets, they've been linked with a few different options, but they can't sign all of these midfielders so they will have to prioritise."
How did Man City beat rivals to sign Bouaddi?
Man City are far from the only club who have shown an interest in signing Bouaddi
The Morocco international has emerged as a clear target for an array of Europe's top clubs, and many have held discussions with Lille over a deal since the World Cup ended.
However, Man City have moved ahead of their rivals weeks ago, having emerged as the player's preferred destination as he eyes a move to the Etihad.
All parties are now just waiting for the green light from Lille, and a fee to be agreed, and then the player with travel to Manchester to finalise the deal.