LYON, FRANCE - MAY 4: Rayan Cherki of Olympique Lyon looks on during the France Ligue 1 match between Olympique Lyonnais and Racing Club de Lens at Groupama Stadium on May 4, 2025 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Man City have joined the race for Lyon attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki according to the Telegraph. The 21 year old confirmed his decision to leave the French club this summer, sparking interest from several clubs across Europe including some Premier League teams.
Liverpool and Chelsea were previously linked, while Fulham and Dortmund have had bids rejected in the recent past for the player. It now appears Man City are the latest side to register an interest in the player, who is widely believed to have a release clause in the region of £20-25 million.
Cherki has impressed for Lyon this season, scoring 12 goals and contributing 20 assists across all competitions. His most impressive accolade this season however does not appear on the stat sheet, as Cherki became the first-ever winner of Ligue 1’s Best Dribbler Award.
It is a reward granted to the player with the most successful dribbles and big chances created from a dribble, areas where the player has shone brightly this season. Cherki was seen smiling proudly as he was presented his award by fellow Ligue 1 dribbling royalty Eden Hazard.
The exchange prompted many to tip Cherki to follow Hazard’s path from Ligue 1 to the Premier League, amidst links to several Premier League clubs.
Cherki on City’s radar
Enter Man City who look to rebuild their squad after a first ever trophyless season under Pep Guardiola. After the club confirmed Kevin De Bruyne would depart the club this summer, City have begun work to find a replacement.
Links persists to Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White while a move for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz was ruled out due to the hefty cost. Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders remains a top target as well but is seen as more of deep lying midfielder.
Cherki is expected to be deployed higher up the pitch should he join Guardiola’s men, where his creativity and guile can unlock defenses. Question marks remain over the futures of Jack Grealish, Bernardo Silva, and Mateo Kovacic, while Ilkay Gundogan will be 35 next season.
Cherki can play through the middle as a number 10 or on the left wing. The France U-21 star completed a treble of individual Europa League awards this season, grabbing the top assister and Young Player of the Season awards while also being named in the Europa League Team of the Year.
He scored a memorable 104th-minute goal against Manchester United in the second leg of the Europa League Quarter-final this season as Lyon were narrowly beaten 5-4.
Cherki also impressed in the 2024 Olympics last summer, scoring 2 goals in 8 matches as France finished as runners-up to Spain.
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