Man City open talks to sign Lyon star Rayan Cherki

Manchester City have opened talks to sign Olympique Lyonnais attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

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.

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

However, it appears that Man City are leading the race.

Romano reports that City have initiated contact and that Cherki tops their wishlist as they seek to recruit a new No.10 this summer. The player is already aware of City’s interest.

He posted on X: “Manchester City made contact to start initial talks for Rayan Cherki as target for #10 position.

“He’s top of the list with Morgan Gibbs-White after Wirtz deal off, while Cherki’s also aware of Man City interest.”

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

Cherki is said to have a €22.5million (£19million) release clause in his contract

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, with serious interest also shown in AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders and Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White.