Rayan Cherki appears to be on the verge of a high-profile move to Manchester City, with the Lyon star hinting at a Premier League switch after recent transfer developments. Despite engaging in discussions with Liverpool earlier this month, the 21-year-old French attacker now looks more likely to join Pep Guardiola’s squad this summer.
Cherki was previously seen as a secondary target for Liverpool, who have prioritized a move for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz. The Reds followed through on a planned meeting with Cherki and new manager Arne Slot, but their transfer focus quickly shifted once progress with Wirtz gained momentum. As it stands, Liverpool have made a formal offer for Wirtz but not for Cherki, suggesting the Frenchman was more of a contingency plan than a primary target.
Meanwhile, Manchester City—having pulled out of the race for Wirtz—have turned their attention back to Cherki and are pushing to secure his signature. Though their opening bid was turned down by Lyon, sources close to the negotiations suggest City remain confident that a deal can be struck before the end of the summer transfer window.
Cherki’s case for a top-tier move only strengthened following his stellar performance in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals, where he came off the bench to score and assist in France’s thrilling 5-4 loss to Spain. His impact on the international stage has only intensified interest from elite clubs across Europe.
Lyon, for their part, are holding firm on their valuation of the young star, whose technical ability, flair, and versatility have drawn comparisons to some of the continent’s elite midfielders. The Ligue 1 side is expected to demand a fee reflective of Cherki’s potential and rising profile.
As negotiations unfold, it’s clear that Cherki’s next step is likely to be on English soil. While Liverpool may have passed on the opportunity, Manchester City now lead the race—and seem determined to make Cherki one of their marquee summer additions.
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