Man City complete signing of Rayan Cherki from Lyon

Manchester City have officially completed the signing of Rayan Cherki from Lyon in a reported fee of €40 million, with add-ons expected to take the fee up to around €42 million.

The 21-year-old has signed a five-year deal at the Etihad, making him Pep Guardiola’s third signing of the summer.

Cherki’s signing becomes City’s third recruit of the summer by announcing the arrival of the French wonderkid from Olympique Lyon, following an agreement between the player and the Premier League club on Monday.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Cityzens announced the capture of Chelsea backup goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli, who is set to replace Scott Carson as the club’s third-choice shot-stopper.

On Monday, Man City confirmed that they had signed Wolverhampton Wanderers full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri in a €43 million deal, while Tijjani Reijnders is still expected to join from AC Milan for a reported €70 million deal.

Earlier in June, Lyon rejected a first offer from Manchester City for France playmaker, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg.

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

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

Cherki enjoyed a fine season in which he scored 12 goals and provided 20 assists, including eight in the UEFA Europa League. Cherki had 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. The brilliant attacker also featured for France as they defeated Germany in the third-place play-off on Saturday.

City boss Pep Guardiola is preparing to strengthen his squad this summer, with Kevin De Bruyne leaving on a free transfer.

On Monday, City confirmed that they had signed Wolves full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri in a €43 million deal, while Tijjani Reijnders is still expected to join from AC Milan for up to €70 million.

Speaking after signing for City, “This is a dream for me,” Cherki said at his unveiling.

“Honestly, to be joining a club like Manchester City and have the opportunity to make the next step in my career here is something very, very special.

“I have worked so hard for this all my life. I love this sport, and I can’t wait to develop further here in Manchester with Pep and his backroom staff. Everyone knows how good City are – they have been so successful for many years now.

“The responsibility to help the team continue winning is something I want to embrace. I would only leave Lyon for a project I really believe in and everything at City suggests I can develop my game and help the team be successful in the future. I can’t wait to show City fans what I can do.”

Now, the long-standing uncertainty surrounding Jack Grealish’s future after he was omitted from the match-day squad on the final day of the season against Fulham brims high after the signing of Cherki.