City are believed to be front-runners to sign Cherki this summer after pulling out of Florian Wirtz deal
Rayan Cherki may be on the verge of a major career move, but the Lyon winger remains focused on France’s UEFA Nations League campaign even as speculation mounts over a potential switch to Manchester City.
Speaking to reporters while on international duty, Cherki fielded questions about his future at the club level. “All the possibilities are credible,” he said. “But there are two important matches with the French team. When the question comes up, I’ll ask it. It won’t affect the start of my training camp. I’m not looking at what’s happening elsewhere.”
Cherki, still just 21 years old, has enjoyed a breakout season at Lyon, registering 12 goals and 20 assists across all competitions in 2024-25. His creative influence helped propel Lyon back into European places, and with his contract reportedly containing a £20-25 million release clause, top clubs have started to circle.
Manchester City are believed to be front-runners to the Frenchman’s signature. Club chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has said that supporters should expect “very swift” and “aggressive” summer spending to rejig Pep Guardiola’s squad. Sources from France suggest Cherki has already held personal talks with Guardiola and that a verbal agreement over personal terms is in place, although though no fee has yet been agreed with Lyon.
City view Cherki as a cost-effective alternative to Florian Wirtz, the Bayer Leverkusen playmaker who could be headed to Liverpool for a deal upwards £100 million. With France’s Nations League campaign concluding by mid-June, the expectation is that a deal could accelerate shortly after, giving Cherki a full pre-season with his new club.
