Ayyoub Bouaddi’s potential transfer to Manchester City is reportedly nearing completion, according to Fabrizio Romano. This news comes amid ongoing discussions about Rodri's possible move to Barcelona, which could significantly impact City's midfield.

• Barcelona had an initial €50m offer for Rodri rejected, but optimism remains high that negotiations will progress swiftly.

Should Rodri depart, City faces the challenge of filling a crucial midfield role without much time to spare. While Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea has been mentioned as a possible replacement, he is seen as more of a box-crasher than a natural tempo setter, which raises questions about his fit in the squad.

In contrast, Bouaddi, a young standout from Lille, is viewed as a more suitable option to take over Rodri's responsibilities. Romano indicates that negotiations for Bouaddi are “moving to the final stages,” suggesting a deal is close between the two clubs.

Discussions with the player’s camp are ongoing, but they are expected to proceed smoothly, given this opportunity represents a dream move for the young Moroccan talent.

The pressing question remains whether the deal for Bouaddi can be finalized before Rodri's potential transfer is concluded. There’s speculation that City might pursue both Enzo and Bouaddi as a two-part solution to replace the Spaniard. The coming weeks promise to be pivotal for Manchester City as the transfer window approaches its climax.