Man City transfer news: Rayan Cherki delivers fresh update on Lyon future, responds to speculation

Rayan Cherki has delivered a fresh update on his future at Lyon and has responded to speculation linking him with a summer transfer to Manchester City.

Amidst Lyon's well-documented financial concerns, the 21-year-old has entered the final year of his contract at Groupama Stadium and he is expected to leave the club this summer.

Paris Saint-Germain had allegedly agreed a deal with Lyon to sign Cherki last summer, but the attacker was not convinced by a move to the French capital, while Borussia Dortmund were keen to lure him to Germany.

Fulham were another club who reportedly agreed a deal with Lyon to sign Cherki before the start of last season, but an exit failed to materialise and he went on to enjoy a superb 2024-25 campaign for Les Gones, recording 12 goals and 20 assists in 44 appearances across all competitions.

Cherki is currently away on international duty with France after receiving his first senior call-up to Didier Deschamps's squad ahead of Thursday's UEFA Nations League semi-final clash with holders Spain.

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Cherki explains decision to turn down PSG, Dortmund moves last summer

In an interview with L'Equipe, Cherki has explained why he opted against leaving Lyon last summer, saying: "It always comes back to the same thing: I'm a human being. I could have made other choices, gone to Paris Saint-Germain directly and very early in the transfer window, without even talking to Dortmund, but that's part of my story, of my stages.

"It was also my first big transfer window, where I learned a lot, reflected a lot. Today, I'm ready. Even if we aspired to do better collectively and that's what matters most, I think I can be satisfied on a more personal level.

"Beating the records I've broken, the few individual awards, the magnificent human bonds I've forged at my favourite club... It's a bit like the end result of all the years of work, where it's been hard for me."

The likes of Liverpool and Chelsea have since been keeping tabs on Cherki's situation, but Premier League rivals Man City are believed to be at the front of the queue for his signature as Pep Guardiola's side have held talks over a deal worth in the region of €30m.

Cherki does not know for certain what the future holds for him, but he has hinted at wanting to pursue a fresh challenge this summer, adding: "You're never sure of anything, but I'll say it: I did what I wanted to do at OL.

"Be a true Lyonnais and give everything for my club. I didn't leave the ship in difficulty. I stayed, I gritted my teeth. I cried, I laughed, I was scared. But a man has to be like that, it's part of his DNA. Even when it's hard, even when you cry, even when you're scared, you have to go to war for your club."

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Cherki responds to Man City transfer speculation

Asked whether he would prefer to play in a particular system should he decide to leave Lyon and whether Man City are a credible option for him this summer. "All options are credible.

"For now I'm focused on the two important games we have to play with the [France] national team and we will see what happens after.

"I'm ready for any system. I work every day, physically and mentally, to be ready. Above all, I'm trying to choose the best option for me, to develop as a person and a footballer."

On his future, Cherki added: "I'll be the only one to decide my future; no-one will decide for me how, why, or where. I don't want to suffer. There are a lot of players suffering, but time passes quickly. I hope in 10 or 15 years I'll be able to say I'm proud of myself and my choices."

Explaining how he could be persuaded to join a new club, Cherki said: "I need to be talked to about football, football and more football. Pure and simple."

Cherki has been labelled as an "absolute superstar" and a "special footballer" by Man City expert Steven McInerney from Esteemed Kompany who has likened aspects of the youngster's game to players including Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Samir Nasri.

Written by
Oliver Thomas