Manchester City have reportedly stepped up their interest in Lyon attacker Rayan Cherki ahead of the summer transfer window.
With new sporting director Hugo Viana now working alongside outgoing chief Txiki Begiristain during a transition period, the Citizens' hierarchy are focused on a much-anticipated squad rebuild that could include several incomings and outgoings.
The Citizens are believed to be prioritising the addition of at least four new players ahead of next season, with midfield reinforcements expected as Kevin De Bruyne is leaving upon the expiration of his contract in the summer.
Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz had been identified as a possible replacement for De Bruyne and was strongly linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium, but it appears that Premier League champions Liverpool are now leading the race for his signature.
Man City have subsequently turned their attention to other targets and a cheaper alternative could be 21-year-old Cherki, who is said to be a 'live possibility' for Pep Guardiola's side in the early stages of the summer.
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Man City open talks to sign Cherki
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Man City have made contact to start initial talks over a deal to sign Cherki, who is considered one of their leading targets for the No.10 position.
Romano adds that Cherki is in fact 'top of the list' along with Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White, now that a big-money summer swoop for Wirtz is 'off'.
The Frenchman is said to be aware of Man City's interest and he is likely to leave Lyon, where he has just a year remaining on his contract that is thought to include a release clause worth as little as £20m to £25m.
The Citizens initiating talks over a deal for Cherki appears to have moved them ahead of other clubs including Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund, who have all previously been credited with an interest.
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Is Cherki destined for a high-profile move this summer?
Cherki is a product of Lyon's youth academy and is considered as one of the brightest prospects in Europe having established himself as a standout player in Ligue 1.
The versatile attacker, who can operate centrally or out wide, scoring 12 goals and provided 20 assists for Lyon in 44 appearances across all tournaments in the 2024-25 season.
Cherki contributed to 12 goals (four goals, eight assists) in as many Europa League games, scoring twice over two legs in Lyon's quarter-final defeat to Man United.
Capped 23 times at Under-21 level for France and is also a 2024 Paris Olympics silver medallist, Cherki's impressive form at club level has been rewarded with a first senior call-up to the France squad ahead of next month's international break.
Man City, who are also in talks to sign AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, could move fast to try to complete a deal for Cherki before they begin their FIFA Club World Cup campaign in the middle of June.
Oliver Thomas
