- Manchester City target Lyon’s Rayan Cherki for summer transfer
- The 21-year-old is seen as a cost-effective alternative to Florian Wirtz
- City are preparing a major squad overhaul after a disappointing season
Key Takeaways:
Manchester City may have backed away from a move for Florian Wirtz, but the club is ready to make a strategic move this summer by signing Lyon talent Rayan Cherki.
The Citizens are determined to secure the signature of the 21-year-old attacking midfielder, who has already announced he is leaving Lyon at the end of the season. Manchester City see this as a chance to acquire a promising player at a favourable price.
🚨🔵 Manchester City made contact to start initial talks for Rayan Cherki as target for #10 position.
He’s top of the list with Morgan Gibbs-White after Wirtz deal off, while Cherki’s also aware of Man City interest. pic.twitter.com/YvQPEXoumr
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 29, 2025
Cherki is viewed as a cost-effective option to strengthen the midfield in the context of the upcoming summer rebuild. With Kevin De Bruyne leaving and Jack Grealish’s future uncertain, manager Pep Guardiola is placing emphasis on attacking reinforcements. The club had shown strong interest in signing Florian Wirtz and even entered preliminary negotiations, but later withdrew. The German international is now close to joining Liverpool, who have made an offer exceeding 100 million euros (around 85 million pounds).
Cherki, on the other hand, represents no less attractive an alternative, and at a significantly lower cost. His release clause is believed to be between 20 and 25 million pounds (25–30 million euros).
Manchester City are expected to carry out a major squad transformation this summer after experiencing one of their weakest seasons under Guardiola. The club is already in advanced negotiations with Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, and is also being linked with Nottingham Forest player Morgan Gibbs-White.