Manchester City are continuing to eye Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, despite already committing a large sum to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.
The 18-year-old Bouaddi is also being pursued by Premier League champions Arsenal, who are aiming to bolster their midfield with new signings this summer.
City's interest in Bouaddi suggests they are thinking beyond immediate starters and are willing to invest in young, talented players with high development potential.
Bouaddi has already gained attention across Europe for his technical ability and composure in midfield, and his market value is estimated to be around €50m.
Transfermarkt lists him as an 18-year-old central midfielder at LOSC Lille, with a contract running until 2029.
Arsenal's main focus currently appears to be on Newcastle United star Bruno Guimarães, but if City move quickly to sign Bouaddi, they may be able to capitalize on the situation.
Bouaddi's impressive performances for Morocco at the World Cup have caught the attention of several top clubs, including City, Arsenal, and Liverpool.
By signing Bouaddi, City would be investing in a young player with high potential for growth, rather than relying on proven quality in the short term.
If they believe Bouaddi can become an elite player, moving early could give City a strategic advantage over their competitors in the transfer market.
