Manchester City have reportedly shifted their attention towards another midfield reinforcement following their agreement to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. According to ESPN, the Premier League champions are closely monitoring Lille’s young midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi as a potential summer target.

This development comes despite City already committing significant funds for Anderson. As reported by The Guardian, the club has reached an agreement worth £116 million with Nottingham Forest to secure the England international’s services.

Bouaddi, who plays for LOSC Lille, is also attracting interest from Arsenal. The Gunners’ manager Mikel Arteta is said to be exploring midfield options to strengthen his squad ahead of the new season.

City’s pursuit of Bouaddi indicates that the club is planning for both present and future success. While Anderson is expected to make an immediate impact in the Premier League, Bouaddi represents a long-term investment—an 18-year-old with strong technical skills and substantial potential for development.

Across Europe, the young Moroccan midfielder is held in high esteem. Transfermarkt values him at around €50 million, with his current contract at Lille running until 2029. His rapid progress and composure in central midfield have made him one of France’s most promising emerging talents.

ESPN further reports that Arsenal have also kept tabs on Bouaddi, although their main priority remains Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimarães. That could allow City a clearer path should they decide to accelerate their interest.

Bouaddi’s playing style aligns well with Manchester City’s football philosophy. Though he might not immediately break into Pep Guardiola’s starting eleven, his intelligence, ball retention and physical attributes make him a valuable long-term project for the club.

The youngster’s performances for Morocco at the World Cup have further enhanced his reputation, drawing attention from elite clubs such as City, Arsenal, and Liverpool. For City, the Anderson deal underlines their desire for proven quality in the short term, while Bouaddi’s potential acquisition would focus on securing future midfield dominance.

Experts believe City should proceed cautiously rather than rushing into another high-cost transfer simply to add numbers. However, if the club is convinced that Bouaddi can develop into a world-class player, an early move might prove a smart strategy before competition from other European giants intensifies.