Lille's price is set: €100m for Ayyoub Bouaddi

Manchester City's pursuit of a young midfielder has gained clarity with a firm price tag. According to Ben Jacobs, the club have made progress in their pursuit of Lille's 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi; Lille want €100 million for an immediate transfer, with talks between the clubs reported to have been ongoing since last month.

There is also a possibility of flexibility on the fee. The package could drop if suitors agree to a loan-back deal or a pre-agreement allowing Bouaddi to stay at Lille for one more season; the player himself is expected to speak on the matter soon.

The logic behind the pricing is also notable. Lille president Olivier Letang is reported to have referenced City's own recent spending — £116 million for Elliot Anderson and the £100 million figure involved in the Sandro Tonali transfer — when setting the price.

Competition also enriches this file. Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Bayern Munich are also reported to be interested in the player; however, according to Jacobs speaking on talkSPORT, City are ahead of their rivals due to their willingness to agree a deal for next summer as well.

The player's profile explains this intense competition. Born in 2007 and capped for France's U21s though his senior national team choice has not yet been finalised, his market value has risen sharply following Morocco's performances at this summer's World Cup; with a contract running until 2029, Lille are said to hold a strong negotiating position. City reportedly view the player as a versatile asset capable of playing both in midfield and at right-back, though spending €100 million on a single young player also carries a risk that will be closely monitored in relation to Financial Fair Play rules.

Source: Ben Jacobs
Image: BBC Sport