Manchester United faces a major obstacle in signing a World Cup defensive midfielder! Bouaddi's price set, Manchester City becomes the top contender.

Following the setback in Manchester United's pursuit of Matheus Fernandes, alternative targets are being explored, with fans eager to secure the impressive World Cup midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Morocco.

This 18-year-old demonstrated mature game awareness, superb skills, and all-round vision during the tournament. Manchester United is considered one of the clubs tracking him, along with rivals such as Manchester City, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich.

Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain once considered signing Bouaddi from Lille, who was the Moroccan youngster's preferred destination, but Luis Enrique now appears less interested. PSG won't buy a new midfielder this summer unless they sell an existing player.

PSG is currently leaning toward signing a winger, targeting another World Cup sensation, Yann Diomandé. The Ivorian winger has already turned down an offer from Premier League giants Liverpool and chosen to move to the Parc des Princes.

Lille is willing to sell Bouaddi, but they have two conditions that potential buyers must meet, or they won't sell. According to French journalist Fabrice Hawkins: first, Lille president Olivier Létang demands a high price of £69 million to £86 million (€80 million to €100 million); second, Bouaddi must be loaned back to Lille for next season to continue playing in Ligue 1 and the Champions League.

French outlet RMC Sport adds that to enter negotiations with Lille, an offer must reach €70 million (£60 million), otherwise the French club won't even sit down at the table. Before the World Cup, Arsenal's €60 million bid was rejected by Lille, confirming this stance.

Manchester United has a good relationship with Lille, having helped the club fend off Real Madrid's attempt to snap up Leny Yoro at a low price two years ago. Real wanted a €20 million deal, but United paid €62 million to sign the then-20-year-old French defender, who had only one year left on his contract, earning Lille a huge profit.

However, for Manchester United, Carrick needs a new midfielder next season, so they cannot agree to sign Bouaddi and then loan him back to Lille. Ugarte's serious left knee cruciate ligament injury at the World Cup has increased the urgency for United to strengthen their midfield, as one fewer player is available.

According to transfer expert Ben Jacobs, not only Manchester United but also Premier League champions Arsenal want to boost their midfield immediately. After an oral offer of around £55 million through intermediaries was rejected by Newcastle United, Arsenal is preparing a formal bid for Brazilian international Bruno Guimarães.

However, the buy-and-loan-back plan is exactly what Manchester City, the other Manchester giant, favors! Maresca's team has already spent £116 million to sign 23-year-old England international Elliot Anderson, and veteran Rodri's future is uncertain, so waiting until next year to bring in Bouaddi is perfect timing.

Rumors say Manchester City has already engaged in direct contact with Lille and is determined to sign Bouaddi. Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano stated: "Manchester City wants to sign Bouaddi, then loan him back to Lille, and officially bring him in only in 2027."

Whether Manchester United will officially join the race for Bouaddi remains uncertain, but Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS team will definitely sign at least one more new midfielder for United, with sufficient funds available. Especially after Sancho's confirmed departure, United's wage structure and financial situation have significantly improved.