Lyon reject first Manchester City bid for Rayan Cherki

Lyon have rejected a first offer from Manchester City for France playmaker Rayan Cherki, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg.

The 21-year-old, who recently earned his first call-up to the France national team, has publicly confirmed his intention to leave his boyhood club this summer.

After an impressive season in which he scored 12 goals and provided 20 assists, including eight in the UEFA Europa League, Cherki has attracted significant interest across Europe, particularly from Premier League clubs.

He came off the bench to score in France’s 5-4 defeat to Spain on Thursday in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals.

Plettenberg claims that negotiations are still ongoing as Man City look to wrap up the deal before the start of the Club World Cup next week.

He posted on X: “Lyon have rejected the first offer from Manchester City for Rayan #Cherki. The second offer is now being prepared. Negotiations are ongoing.

“Cherki is waiting for an agreement between the clubs. Totally relaxed and fully focused on his match against Germany on Sunday.

“He could possibly be in the starting XI after his excellent performance against Spain.”

Cherki scored 12 goals and provided 20 assists for Lyon last season

Manchester United, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur have all been linked with moves for the Frenchman.

However, Man City are leading the race for his signature as they seek to recruit a new No.10 this summer.

Manager Pep Guardiola is preparing to reshape his squad, with Kevin De Bruyne leaving on a free transfer.

There is uncertainty looming over Jack Grealish’s future after he was omitted from the match-day squad on the final day of the season against Fulham.

Following January signings of defenders and a forward, Man City’s summer focus has shifted to midfield reinforcements. Man City have agreed a deal with AC Milan to sign Tijjani Reijnders.

Reijnders will sign a long-term deal after completing his medical on Sunday.