Fabrizio Romano Confirms Man City in Negotiations with Lyon to Sign their Attacker for £25m

Manchester City Eye Lyon’s Rayan Cherki Ahead of Club World Cup

Manchester City are currently in negotiations with French club Lyon over a potential summer signing of midfielder Rayan Cherki. The reigning treble winners are aiming to finalize their main transfer activity before the FIFA Club World Cup begins in mid-June.

At just 21 years old, Cherki is regarded as a blend of potential and refinement—an ideal fit for Pep Guardiola’s system. Known for his creativity, ball control, and intelligence in tight areas, Cherki is considered one of Ligue 1’s most technically gifted young talents.

According to transfer sport journalists Fabrizio Romano, “Manchester City and OL are in club-to-club talks for Rayan Cherki,” confirming City’s pursuit. The Premier League champions are confident they can land the Frenchman for a fee of around £25 million—a relative bargain given the current market conditions.

Rayan Cherki celebrating after scoring a goal….

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Early Transfer Planning Before Club World Cup

City Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has emphasized the importance of concluding key signings before the Club World Cup in June. This proactive strategy allows Guardiola ample time to integrate new players during pre-season, minimizing disruption and avoiding inflated fees or competition from rival clubs later in the window.

With over 100 senior appearances for Lyon, Cherki brings valuable experience despite his age. His readiness and versatility make him a strong candidate to contribute immediately upon arrival.

Cherki’s Fit in Guardiola’s Tactical Setup

What makes Cherki particularly appealing is his positional flexibility. He is capable of playing as a central attacking midfielder, a winger, or even in deeper midfield roles. His ability to drift between lines, dictate tempo, and break down defensive blocks aligns perfectly with Guardiola’s tactical philosophy.

In addition to Cherki, City are also targeting Tijani Reijnders of AC Milan to strengthen the central midfield. The club’s transfer policy is clearly focused on acquiring young, intelligent, and adaptable players who can meet Guardiola’s high standards and maintain City’s dominance.

Long-Term Vision and Smart Investment

The moves for Cherki and Reijnders reflect City’s long-term squad-building strategy. Rather than chasing headline-making signings, the club is opting for calculated investments in high-potential players.

Cherki, in particular, is viewed as a successor to key players like Kevin De Bruyne, who is approaching the later stages of his career. His growth at Lyon and experience across various roles offer City both immediate impact and future security.

Overall, these signings embody City’s approach of blending value, tactical intelligence, and consistency—a formula designed to extend their reign at the top of English and European football.