Man City latest: Agreement reached for Brazilian winger

Manchester City’s summer transfer activity has taken a decisive turn this week, with a trio of high-profile deals edging closer to completion. The most eye-catching development is an agreement in principle for a Brazilian winger, a move that would further reshape Pep Guardiola’s successor’s squad under Enzo Maresca. While the player’s identity remains officially undisclosed, reports indicate City have concluded negotiations with Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi, a deal worth up to £85 million. The development follows weeks of speculation linking the midfielder with a move to the Etihad, where Maresca is assembling a new-look side after last season’s Champions League triumph.

City’s summer overhaul gathers pace

City’s transfer activity has accelerated in the final fortnight of the window, with three incoming deals now all but confirmed. Bouaddi’s arrival would follow the agreed transfers of Palmeiras’ Allan Elias and a double swoop for Tottenham pair Savinho and Omar Marmoush, which could total around £140 million. The club’s outlay is expected to exceed £300 million across outgoing and incoming deals, with Savinho’s £85 million move to Spurs already in motion. These moves underscore Maresca’s intent to refresh the squad after the departures of Bernardo Silva, Tijjani Reijnders, and Rodri, while also addressing positional needs in attack and midfield.

The pursuit of Bouaddi is particularly significant given his profile as a dynamic, box-to-box midfielder capable of linking defence and attack. His arrival would provide Maresca with an additional option to rotate alongside Mateo Kovacic and Jérémy Doku, who have been key figures in City’s early pre-season preparations. The deal also reflects City’s willingness to invest heavily in young talent, with Bouaddi’s contract length aligning with the club’s long-term strategy.

Gakpo emerges as surprise target

In a twist that has caught Liverpool and Tottenham off guard, City have entered the race for Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo. The Dutch international, who joined Anfield from PSV Eindhoven in 2023, has been a consistent performer under Andoni Iraola, scoring 51 goals in 181 appearances. Iraola has publicly praised Gakpo’s intelligence and adaptability, noting his strong pre-season form and understanding of positional play. With Liverpool understood to be seeking over £70 million for the player, City’s involvement adds a fresh dimension to the transfer saga, particularly as Spurs had previously been linked with a move for the forward.

The timing of City’s interest is notable, coming as Maresca seeks to bolster his attacking options. Gakpo’s versatility—he can operate as a false nine, winger, or second striker—would provide City with tactical flexibility, especially in high-pressing systems. His inclusion in City’s plans also hints at a broader strategy to integrate experienced Premier League talent alongside emerging stars, a model that has defined the club’s recent success.

Newcastle’s midfield gamble

Meanwhile, Newcastle are closing in on a deal for City’s Nico González, a move that would see the Spaniard reunite with former Porto teammate Bruno Guimarães at St James’ Park. González, who joined City for £49 million in January 2025, has made 59 appearances but has struggled to secure a regular starting spot under Maresca, with his omission from Sunday’s 2-1 win over Bournemouth highlighting his peripheral role. Newcastle, fresh off the £75 million sale of Guimarães to Arsenal, are seeking an experienced midfield presence to steady their side after a turbulent transfer window.

The potential departure of González would cap a dramatic summer for City, who are also finalising the Bouaddi deal and pursuing Gakpo. Newcastle’s interest underscores the fluidity of the market, where clubs are willing to move quickly to address weaknesses. For City, the sales of Savinho and González would free up funds for further reinforcements, while Maresca’s focus remains on building a squad capable of sustaining domestic and European challenges.

With the window nearing its close, City’s activity reflects their ambition to balance immediate competitiveness with long-term planning. The Bouaddi deal, in particular, signals a clear intent to invest in midfield depth, while the Gakpo pursuit demonstrates a willingness to disrupt the market at the last minute. As the final days tick down, the question is no longer whether City will make an impact this summer, but how significant that impact will be.

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