Rayan Cherki generates a lot of interest from top clubs after his incredible season saw him scoring 12 and 19 assisted in all competitions, where Manchester City became the leading favorites to sign him
Manchester City came up as favorites this summer to sign Lyon star Rayan Cherki, with the midfielder who wants to join the men of Pep Guardiola, according to reports. Cherki has become one of the most popular properties in Europe after a stellar season in Ligue 1.
The 21-year-old enjoyed an incredible season, scored 12 goals and assisted 19 in all competitions, and with Lyon only collected a sixth placed finish, he is now being tipped for a move to a top European club.
Manchester United was previously tipped as a destination for Cherki, after he had viewed him against them twice this season in the Europa League. But after missing European football, a move to their Rivalenstad seems more likely.
According to French Outlet Foot Mercato, a move to the city is “accelerated” for Cherki – which was voted in the Ligue 1 team of the season after his sparkling creative displays.
The report shows the city “appreciate” Cherki's talents and see him as an ideal replacement for the outgoing Kevin De Bruyne. Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz was previously a big target for the city, but Bayern Munich and Liverpool have now jumped to the front of the queue.
The preference of Cherki is to play in the role of No. 10 – That is where City would like to play him, it will continue. The Sky Blues are now throwing up with the player's team and are “very confident” over a deal.
The boy's Lyon star gave up the thumb about moving to the Etihad and is enthusiastic about the prospect of playing under Guardiola, with whom he has already spoken – the report claims.
Cherki wants to pick out his future as quickly as possible in a deal that Lyon could earn around £ 34 million – although he has a release clause of £ 25 million. Cherki has a contract in Lyon that runs until the next summer
He hinted that he could have played his last game for Lyon after he admitted that he “did everything I could” for the club and said that it will be “always in my heart”.
“I don't know,” he said when he was asked about his future. “In any case, I know that I have given everything for the club. I did everything I could do for OL, because it is a club that I will never forget, one that will always be in my heart.
“I stayed on many players then. Today I have no regrets. Whatever happens, I will give everything for the club until the last moment. I only have ol in my mind and I would never call anyone else.”
Cherki came to Lyon at the age of six and started playing for his reserve team at the age of 15. He became the youngest score of the first team ever at 16 in 2020 and made 185 performances and scored 29 times.