‘Man City step up Rayan Cherki pursuit amid Liverpool talks, deadline set’
Talks between Manchester City and Lyon over the transfer of Rayan Cherki are progressing well, but a deadline has been set on the deal, with Liverpool interested.
City are in the midst of a squad revamp, after Pep Guardiola’s side failed to retain their Premier League title last season, finishing third in the table.
Arne Slot’s side secured top spot with four games remaining and ended the campaign 13 points clear of the Sky Blues.
It has already been confirmed that Kevin De Bruyne will be leaving Man City this summer, with Jack Grealish and Ederson also rumoured to be in line for a departure, to make room for a host of incomings.
Deadline set for Cherki to Man City deal
As Guardiola looks to build a squad that can challenge Liverpool next season, the Citizens have already identified a number of targets who they want to bring to the Etihad.
Cherki is one of those who City are interested in, and it is thought that the winger could be a replacement for Grealish, who is set to leave this summer.
The 21-year-old Frenchman scored eight goals and picked up 11 assists in Ligue 1 last season, as he helped Lyon secure a Europa League spot.
| Games | Goals | Assists |
| 30 | 8 | 11 |
According to football reporter Ben Jacobs, Cherki has already agreed to move to City, but with no release clause in his contract, Lyon want £30m+ for the young talent.
Jacobs added that City ideally would like to sign the attacker in time for the Club World Cup, and with talks progressing well an agreement between the clubs could be reached in the coming days.
Liverpool try and hijack Cherki deal
Football Insider Verdict
Despite positive movement on talks between City and Lyon, Liverpool are also interested in acquiring the services of Cherki.
It was revealed over the past few days Slot had met with the winger in an attempt to convince him to move to Anfield, rather than the Etihad.
City and Liverpool both wanted Florian Wirtz earlier in the transfer window, after the 22-year-old impressed last season in the Bundesliga.
The Leverkusen midfielder opted against joining Guardiola’s side, rejecting Bayern Munich as well in favour of joining the Premier League champions.
Man City will hope that history doesn’t repeat itself, and that they can secure Cherki’s signature sometime over the next few days.