Aston Villa star Lucas Digne reacts to Rayan Cherki message amid Man City news
Aston Villa star Lucas Digne has reacted to Rayan Cherki’s message amid a major Manchester City transfer update.
Man City have stepped up their pursuit of Cherki, who has notched an impressive return of 12 goals and 20 assists this season.
The right winger has only ever played for Lyon, but is set to put his attacking quality to the test in next season’s Premier League.
Meanwhile, Man City are set to sell Jack Grealish amid interest from Serie A champions Napoli, who are keen to sign a new wideman after PSG bough Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the winter transfer window.
Digne reacts to Cherki message as Lyon man agrees terms with Man City
Pep Guardiola’s men will hope to launch a stronger title challenge next season after dipping below their usual standards in the Premier League this term.
According to Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg via X, Cherki has decided to join Man City, and is in talks about signing a contract with the Etihad Stadium club until 2030.
The 21-year-old is currently on international duty with France, and took to Instagram [3 June], as he wrote: “At work.”
Cherki’s post attracted a like from Aston Villa defender Lucas Digne, who made 32 Premier League appearances for the West Midlands side this term.
Football Insider verdict
Cherki could be a great addition for Man City
Man City are set to sign Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan, epitomising how keen Guardiola is to complete his side’s transfer business swiftly, ahead of both the Club World Cup and the Premier League season.
Even though Milan finished just eighth in Serie A this season, Reijnders enjoyed a successful individual campaign, notching 10 goals and four assists from midfield in the Italian top flight.
| Rayan Cherki stats | All competitions 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 44 |
| Goals | 12 |
| Assists | 20 |
Meanwhile, Cherki has made 32 goal contributions in 44 appearances across all competitions this season, including four goals and eight assists in 12 Europa League appearances.
Although there is a clear gulf in class between the Premier League and Ligue 1, Cherki’s attacking exploits for Lyon suggest he could hit new heights when surrounded by higher quality teammates such as Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush.
Cherki also proved his ability to perform against English top-flight opposition when he scored two goals against Manchester United in the Europa League quarter-finals.