Manchester City are now interested in signing Lyon midfielder Rayan Cherki this summer, according to the Telegraph.
City had a strong interest in Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Florian Wirtz, but talks ended due to his high price tag.
They are eyeing more affordable targets, and Cherki is a good fit. He enjoyed a breakthrough season at Lyon, bagging 12 goals and 20 assists across all competitions.
Cherki’s contract includes a release clause between £20–25 million. Manchester United are also interested, but City have now entered the race to secure his services.
Manchester City consider move for Cherki amid creative rebuild plans
City are expected to make several changes to their squad in the coming weeks. Manager Pep Guardiola wants new faces as he plans for the next campaign.
Kevin De Bruyne is set to leave the club on a free transfer when his contract ends. There is also growing doubt over Jack Grealish’s future after he missed the final league match at Fulham.
The England winger was not in the squad, despite City needing a result to secure Champions League football.
City are considering a move for Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, but he would cost more than Cherki.
Both players have the potential to add spark and depth to City’s midfield. Guardiola wants players who can play in tight spaces and offer more energy going forward.
