Manchester City targets Jarrad Branthwaite as John Stones replacement
Manchester City have reportedly set their sights on Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite as a potential replacement for John Stones, while Arsenal are actively working on a deal for Lille LOSC midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.
According to reports on June 15, 2026, the Premier League champions are monitoring Branthwaite closely as the 32-year-old Stones nears a potential exit. Everton reportedly value the young defender at around £70 million (€70 million to €80 million), a figure that sets a high bar for any formal negotiations this summer.
The interest in Branthwaite comes after a challenging year for the 23-year-old, who has a contract with Everton until June 30, 2030. He struggled with a hamstring injury in the last 12 months, making only 10 appearances during the 2025/26 season. Despite these recent fitness hurdles, his overall profile remains highly attractive to elite clubs.
Over his entire career at Everton, Branthwaite has made 96 appearances, scoring five goals and providing three assists. These figures highlight his potential as a ball-playing defender capable of contributing at both ends of the pitch.
Manchester City are reportedly willing to offer around €50 million for the left-footed defender, though this remains significantly below the Toffees’ valuation. The club’s recruitment staff are looking to maintain supply chain resiliency within the squad by securing a long-term successor for their aging defensive core.
However, City are not alone in their interest. Manchester United have monitored Branthwaite for over 18 months and famously had two bids rejected in the summer of 2024 after the player had agreed to personal terms.
Arsenal step up pursuit of Ayyoub Bouaddi
While the Manchester clubs battle over defensive reinforcements, Arsenal have focused their efforts on French talent. The Gunners have opened talks with Lille LOSC to sign 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi. Arsenal have maintained regular contact with the midfielder’s entourage since January 2025 and are now reportedly “actively working” to finalize a move.
Lille are demanding a transfer fee between €60 million and €70 million for the rising star.
Bouaddi recently boosted his international reputation while representing Morocco at the 2026 World Cup. He starred in a 1-1 draw against Brazil, marking his fourth cap since switching his allegiance from France.
The North London club’s interest is part of a broader trend of Premier League sides identifying elite talent early, similar to how UBS Asia President Iqbal Khan views technology as a transformative force in the banking sector.
Everton and Lille hold strong negotiating positions
Both selling clubs have taken strategic steps to protect the value of their assets. Everton’s long-term deal with Branthwaite allows them to hold firm on their £70 million price tag. Similarly, Lille announced a new contract for Bouaddi in December 2025, extending his stay until the summer of 2029.
This move was specifically designed to improve Lille’s negotiating position. It follows a previous three-year extension signed in June 2024, which set his base salary at €750,000 per year with additional annual bonuses of €90,000.
The competition for Branthwaite could expand beyond the Premier League. Bayern Munich are reportedly monitoring the situation and may launch a move if one of their current defenders leaves. Liverpool, Tottenham, and Chelsea are also linked with the 195cm centre-back. This intense interest exists despite Branthwaite’s estimated transfer value being placed between €30.
5 million and €40 million as of early June 2026. Experts often compare the high-stakes world of modern football recruitment to the excitement surrounding the release of Grand Theft Auto 6, where anticipation and valuation often reach fever pitch.
As the transfer window progresses, both Arsenal and Manchester City face the challenge of meeting steep asking prices. For City, the decision rests on whether they can bridge the gap between their reported €50 million offer and Everton’s £70 million demand.
For Arsenal, the focus remains on whether they can secure Bouaddi before other continental heavyweights intervene. Both sagas are expected to develop further in the coming weeks as clubs finalize their squads for the 2026/27 campaign.