City have Enzo Fernandez and Ayyoub Bouaddi as the top two targets in mind to strengthen the centre of the park this summer, with enquiries made simultaneously.
We revealed their stance on the situation last week, with new boss Enzo Maresca keen on the idea of signing Argentina international Fernandez from Chelsea.
But the club also have serious interest in Lille's Bouaddi, 18, if a suitable deal can be unlocked. They have been exploring a possible deal thoroughly, sources confirm.
It comes at a time when City have been anticipating a decision over Rodri's future, as his contract begins to wind down.
Rodri's deal ends next summer, and there has been some talk of Real Madrid considering an offer to take him away. At the moment, any new contract for Rodri has been on ice - which opens the additional prospect of him leaving as a free agent next summer.
As such, City are having to consider if and when he could be leaving the club. They are eager to ensure they are well prepared for such a moment.
City have recently signed Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million, but even after that deal was agreed, sources were suggesting another elite player could be signed for the midfield.
The situation surrounding Fernandez is complicated, with the player still involved in the World Cup with Argentina. Chelsea are hopeful they can convince him to be a part of Xabi Alonso's plans for next season.
City had been made aware of the player having doubts over his future, but his own move to Madrid has not been opening up as he had hoped.
While considering the future of both Fernandez and their own star Rodri - and how Real Madrid could potentially impact both situations - City have had to consider outside transfer options. And Bouaddi is a key name that has been discussed internally at Etihad Stadium as part of that.
While Lille are open to offers in the region of £85 million for the Morocco international, they have also hoped to strike a deal that would mean they get him back on loan for the 2026/27 season.
That is not something Man City have been particularly keen on, and in early negotiations, they have made that clear.
Dean Jones is a transfer news and football insider for Flashscore, since 2025. He has been a journalist on leading UK newspapers and websites over the past 20 years, establishing himself as an authoritative and trusted voice in the industry.
