Manchester City are reportedly on the verge of securing the services of Lyon's highly-rated attacking midfielder, Rayan Cherki. Several reports indicate that the clubs have agreed on a fee, paving the way for the 21-year-old French international to move to the Etihad Stadium. The transfer is expected to be finalized before the quickly approaching deadline on Tuesday night at 7 PM, allowing Cherki to potentially participate in the upcoming Club World Cup.
The agreed-upon fee is said to be around €40 million (£34 million), a figure deemed acceptable by both clubs after initial negotiations. City's first bid of €22.5 million was rejected, prompting them to increase their offer to secure the talented playmaker. Personal terms are also understood to be finalized. Cherki is expected to sign a contract that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2030.
Cherki's imminent arrival is seen as a significant boost to Pep Guardiola's squad, particularly following the departure of Kevin De Bruyne and with speculation surrounding Jack Grealish's future. The young Frenchman is a versatile player, capable of operating in multiple attacking positions, including centrally as a number 10 and on both flanks. His two-footedness and creative flair make him a valuable asset in the final third.
Notably, some reports suggest that the deal could involve a City player moving to Lyon on loan as part of the agreement. While the specific player has not been named, several members of City's squad have been linked with moves away from the club, including Stefan Ortega, John Stones, James McAtee, and Jack Grealish. Youngsters such as Claudio Echeverri, Vitor Reis, Juma Bah, and Maximo Perrone could also be candidates for a loan move.
In addition to Cherki, City are also reportedly close to finalizing deals for Wolves left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri and midfielder Tijjani Reijnders. Ait-Nouri has already completed his medical, and Reijnders is expected to join in the coming days. These potential additions signal a significant squad refresh under Guardiola, aiming to reclaim the Premier League title after finishing behind Liverpool last season.
Cherki's transfer to Manchester City marks an exciting chapter in the young player's career and demonstrates City's ambition to strengthen their squad with top talent. His versatility, creativity, and potential make him a valuable addition to Guardiola's team, and his arrival is sure to generate excitement among City fans. If the deal finalizes in time, Cherki could make his debut at the Club World Cup.
