Manchester City interested in Lyon star as De Bruyne replacement | OneFootball

Manchester City are interested in signing Rayan Cherki from Lyon and are informed on the conditions of a deal.

Cherki is set to leave Lyon this summer after expressing his interest in a new challenge. The 21-year-old is keen to compete on the Champions League stage and is assessing his options.

Manchester City have placed Cherki on their summer shortlist as the club look to replace Kevin De Bruyne. Cherki scored 12 goals and provided 19 assists in all competitions for Lyon last season, leading Ligue 1 and the Europa League for assists.

He was named in the Ligue 1 Team of the Season and won the division’s inaugural Best Dribbler ward. His performances have been recognised with a maiden France call-up for this summer’s Nations League semi-finals.

Fabrizio Romano is reporting that Cherki is on City’s shortlist, alongside Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White.

Cherki’s ability to play centrally and on either flank appeals, alongside a modest release clause in his contract at the Groupama Stadium. A clause in Cherki’s contract permits him to move for a fee of just £19m this summer.

Cherki’s creative numbers have caught the eye. In 2024/25, he ranked in the 99th percentile of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues for assists, expected assists, shot-creating actions and progressive passes per 90 minutes.

Pep Guardiola is seeking a replacement for De Bruyne, who is expected to sign for Napoli on a free transfer. There are also doubts over Jack Grealish’s future with the England winger likely to leave the Etihad.

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