100 million for the talented Marocchinò who Napoli also wanted
Premier League, Serie A transfer market
According to several international media, Manchester City is ready to make an attempt for Lille's Moroccan midfielder Ayoub Bouaddai if Rodri moves to Real Madrid. The profile is considered the closest to that of the Spaniard: individual qualities, physical structure, ball control, positional sense and a very young age.
Details
Manchester City wants to be ready if Rodri really were to say goodbye on his way to Madrid, and the name chosen is that of Ayoub Bouaddai, who convinced everyone at the World Cup with Morocco.
The deal, however, will not be simple at all. Lille are asking for 100 million euros and are coming from a position of strength: the player's contract expires in June 2029 and does not contain any release clause.
City and Arsenal would still be considering whether to please the French, because the boy has qualities that make him a serious candidate to become one of the best midfielders in the world in the coming years. His most obvious strengths:
Calm with the ball at his feet: under pressure he never panics, just like Rodri.
1.86 in height, which allows him to intercept passes and handle physical duels.
An uncommon agility, with which he frees himself from the opponent's pressing.
Dribbling: 1.2 successes on average per game, numbers which last season placed him in fifth place among defensive midfielders in the five major European leagues.
The speed of execution: he plays one-two touches and serves very precise short passes, even vertical ones.
The age of 18, which leaves him enormous margins for growth and creativity.
Flexibility: he can cover all roles in the midfield, from midfielder to defensive midfielder.
