Manchester City Nears £35M Deal for Lyon Midfielder Rayan Cherki

Rayan Cherki, the 21-year-old Lyon midfielder known for his creative playmaking and impressive season statistics, is on the verge of transferring to Manchester City after a summer marked by a complicated transfer saga and contract renewal with Lyon. Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola's direction, have engaged in advanced talks with Lyon, agreeing on a transfer fee estimated around €30-36 million, with Cherki expected to sign a long-term contract soon. Cherki, who recently received his first senior France call-up, has expressed deep loyalty to Lyon despite the ongoing transfer developments and emphasized his desire to have full control over his career decisions. The deal is part of Manchester City's broader summer recruitment strategy, which includes other targets like Tijjani Reijnders, and aims to strengthen the squad for upcoming competitions such as the Club World Cup. Cherki's arrival is viewed as a significant creative boost for City, with his technical skills and vision praised by teammates and insiders alike, potentially complementing key players like Kevin De Bruyne. This transfer reflects both Cherki's growth as a player and Manchester City's ambition to continue building a team celebrated for both success and artistry on the pitch.