William Saliba reacts to Rayan Cherki as Man City transfer deadline approaches
Manchester City are facing a race against time to sign Rayan Cherki from Lyon, and Arsenal star William Saliba has reacted to the midfielder on social media.
City are in the midst of a massive summer overhaul, after failing to defend their Premier League title last season, finishing 13 points behind runaway winners Liverpool.
Pep Guardiola has already stated his desire to have a smaller squad heading into the 2025/26 campaign, but that has not stopped the Spaniard from attempting to add quality to his ranks.
Ahead of the revamped Club World Cup, City are closing in on a £115million triple signing, which could transform their starting lineup.
Deadline for Cherki move approaches
It is believed that Man City are in advanced negotiations over the signing of Cherki from Lyon, with the France international eager to complete the move.
The 21-year-old scored eight goals and picked up 11 assists, during his 30 appearances in Ligue 1 last season.
| Games | Goals | Assists |
| 30 | 8 | 11 |
However, if City want to utilise Cherki at the revamped Club World Cup, then they must complete the deal before Tuesday’s (10 June) 7pm deadline.
The player has already agreed personal terms with the club, but an opening bid of around £19m has been rejected by Lyon (The Mirror).
Amid negotiations over his future, Cherki played 68 minutes as France beat Germany 2-0 to claim the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League bronze medal.
On Instagram, the midfielder posted a photo of himself and Kylian Mbappe during the game with the caption: “Nice team victory to finish well.”
Arsenal defender Saliba, who missed out on the France squad due to injury, liked the post to show his support.
City look to seal triple deal ahead of CWC
Football Insider Verdict
Cherki is not the only player Man City are looking to bring in before the first transfer window of the summer slams shut.
Guardiola’s side are also close to confirming the signing of Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan, after the two clubs agreed on a deal worth around £46m.
City are also set to add Rayan Ait-Nouri to their ranks before they jet off the America, after Wolves accepted a £36m bid from the former Premier League champions.
The Algerian international impressed for the Midlands-based club last season, scoring four goals and picking up seven assists from left-back.
In their first game of the Club World Cup, City face Moroccan side Rydad, before clashes with Al Ain and Juventus to complete the group stage.