In a transfer saga that has gripped the football world, Rayan Cherki, the 21-year-old Olympique Lyon prodigy, stands on the brink of a blockbuster move to Manchester City. The attacking midfielder, whose flair and vision have drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greats, has confirmed his readiness to join Pep Guardiola’s squad at the Etihad Stadium. “Cherki is ready to be the next signing at Manchester City. As I told you two days ago, the agreement is done between Cherki and Man City on the contract,” transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed on his YouTube channel, underscoring the player’s enthusiasm for the move. However, Lyon’s last-minute decision to raise their asking price above €30 million (£25 million) has thrown a wrench into negotiations, testing City’s resolve as they aim to bolster their midfield ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup.
Cherki’s potential arrival comes at a pivotal moment for Manchester City, who are reeling from a trophyless 2024-25 Premier League season and the impending departure of club legend Kevin De Bruyne. With De Bruyne’s contract set to expire, leaving a void in the No. 10 role, Guardiola has targeted Cherki as the ideal successor to inject creativity into the squad. The Frenchman’s versatility—capable of playing as an attacking midfielder or winger—makes him a perfect fit for City’s fluid system. “The expectation is for Rayan Cherki to become a new Man City player soon. It will be an excellent addition for Man City, a player wanted by several clubs in Germany, England, and Italy,” Romano added, highlighting the intense competition for the young star’s signature. City’s pursuit of Cherki, who they view as a cost-effective alternative to pricier targets like Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz (£126.5 million) and Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White (£60 million), underscores their strategic approach to squad rebuilding.
The negotiations, however, have hit a snag. Lyon, aware of Cherki’s rising stock, have shifted their demands, seeking a fee well above the initial €30 million benchmark. This move has frustrated City, who had already secured personal terms with Cherki and his agent. Despite the hurdle, optimism remains high, with both parties expecting a deal to be finalized soon. Cherki’s desire to work under Guardiola, whom he reportedly admires, has fueled his determination to make the move. “Everyone knows that Pep Guardiola is a great coach,” a sentiment echoed by another City target, Rayan Ait-Nouri, reflects the allure of playing under the Catalan tactician. City’s transfer strategy, backed by a £324 million Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) headroom, positions them to meet Lyon’s demands, even as they navigate other high-profile signings like Ait-Nouri and AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders, both set for medicals this weekend.
Cherki’s journey to this moment has been one of steady ascent. A product of Lyon’s famed academy, he has dazzled with his dribbling, playmaking, and knack for decisive moments, earning praise as a potential heir to De Bruyne’s throne. His standout performances in Ligue 1, where he’s showcased his ability to unlock defenses, have made him a prime target for clubs across Europe. City’s interest, however, predates this window, with reports indicating they accelerated their move after Cherki signaled his intent to join in late May. “We have clearly identified who exactly are the targets, in what positions, and we have our clear number one option,” City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said, emphasizing the club’s laser-focused approach to transfers. Cherki’s signing would mark City’s third major capture of the summer, following Ait-Nouri and Reijnders, as they prepare for the Club World Cup in the United States.
The stakes are high for City, who are determined to reclaim their dominance after a challenging season marked by injuries and a third-place finish behind Liverpool and Arsenal. Guardiola’s vision for a leaner squad—avoiding “five or six players in the tribune”—means every signing must be a precise fit. Cherki, with his youthful exuberance and technical brilliance, embodies the kind of player City needs to reignite their attack alongside stars like Erling Haaland, who opted to train through the summer rather than vacation. “Erling Haaland didn’t want to go on vacation. He wanted to stay with the physios and prepare for next season,” Al Mubarak noted, a mentality Cherki is expected to emulate.
As negotiations with Lyon continue, Cherki’s imminent arrival promises to reshape City’s midfield, blending youth with experience in a squad poised for a comeback. Whether Lyon’s shifting demands delay the inevitable or not, Cherki’s heart is set on Manchester, and the Etihad faithful are ready to welcome their next star.
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