Cherki to Man City: Lyon reject opening €23m bid, expected to demand higher fee

Manchester City have had their opening bid for Rayan Cherki rejected by Olympique Lyonnais.

The offer, believed to be around €23 million (£19.5 million), falls short of Lyon’s asking price for the highly rated French midfielder.

Despite the setback, City remain confident of completing a deal this summer, having already agreed personal terms with the 21-year-old.

Cherki has made it clear he wants to work under Pep Guardiola, with plans already in motion for him to be part of the squad for the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.

City’s interest in the playmaker is part of a broader effort to refresh their midfield options, with AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders also close to arriving at the Etihad Stadium.

However, negotiations with Lyon have proven more complicated than expected.

Cherki’s contract reportedly included a release clause of around £25m. That now appears to be inaccurate, with Lyon holding out for a figure closer to £34m.

With just one year remaining on Cherki’s current deal, City had hoped to secure a discount, but Lyon are unwilling to compromise on their valuation.

The French club believes Cherki’s technical quality, versatility, and long-term potential justifies their price tag, even with time running down on his contract.

Cherki, who is currently on international duty with France, has been one of the standout talents in Ligue 1 in recent seasons and has attracted interest from several top clubs.

City’s willingness to move early reflects Guardiola’s desire to integrate new signings before the Club World Cup begins.

The club are expected to return with an improved offer in the coming days, with negotiations ongoing.

Cherki is viewed as a key part of City’s next phase, particularly with midfield stalwarts such as Kevin De Bruyne nearing the twilight of their careers.

The Premier League giants are also pursuing a new left-back, with Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Rayan Ait-Nouri among the players under consideration.