Manchester City are set to submit their first official offer for Rayan Cherki next week as they begin to reshape their midfield for the new season.
Cherki has not yet agreed personal terms, but City have moved early to establish direct contact with his representatives and gather background information from former coaches.
Their interest comes amid growing competition, with Liverpool, Aston Villa, Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen also keeping tabs on the French international.
According to L’Equipe, City are expected to test Lyon’s resolve with an initial bid that exceeds the €22.5 million ‘gentleman’s agreement’ value set last year.
Cherki is under contract until 2026, but Lyon reportedly value him at around €40m.
The midfielder contributed eight goals and 11 assists in all competitions last season and is seen as an ideal fit for Guardiola’s evolving squad.
He is capable of playing as a number ten or in wider attacking roles, and his technical quality and versatility have made him one of the standout talents in Ligue 1.
Sources close to the player insist that no final decision will be made until after France Under-21 finish their training camp.
Guardiola has not yet spoken directly to Cherki, but internal discussions at City suggest that a formal approach is imminent.
The move for Cherki runs parallel to advanced talks with AC Milan over Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders.
Reijnders has already agreed personal terms with City, though negotiations are ongoing over Milan’s £76m valuation.
The Premier League club are looking to refresh their midfield options after a tough season and amid doubts over the long-term futures of several squad players.
With Cherki and Reijnders on their radar, City are signalling intent early in the transfer window as they prepare to challenge Liverpool’s domestic dominance next season.
