Bayern Munich were never interested in signing Rayan Cherki from Manchester City this summer, as per reports in Germany.
Rayan Cherki has made an impressive start to the season under Enzo Maresca
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The highly-rated Frenchman arrived at the Etihad Stadium from Lyon last summer and played a large part in Pep Guardiola’s final season at the club, where City won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.
Since joining City for £34 million as part of a huge squad rebuild, Cherki has provided 13 goals and 18 assists in 62 appearances and has impressed in the early stages of Enzo Maresca’s tenure.
The attacking midfielder, 23, fuelled an opening-day comeback against Bournemouth by supplying Marc Guehi and Josko Gvardiol before scoring twice against Crystal Palace the week after.
Cherki Did Not Feature on Bayern Munich’s List This Summer, Reveals Journalist
It was reported that in recent weeks, rumours had been circulating about the future of Cherki, with Bayern supposedly interested in tripling the Manchester City star up with Harry Kane and fellow France international Michael Olise.
However, according to BILD journalist Christian Falk, Cherki was never on the Bundesliga club’s shortlist this summer, and instead opted to approach Anthony Gordon, who ultimately joined Barcelona from Newcastle United.
After that failed attempt, Bayern wasted little time in signing Ismaël Saibari from PSV Eindhoven, and that move is transpiring successfully - the 25-year-old has picked up three assists in the opening three games of the Bundesliga season.
Covering the Cherki matter on CF Bayern Insider, Falk wrote: “It is not true. He was not on the list. In the end, Bayern had the idea - as everyone is aware - of Anthony Gordon. However, it was quickly clear that he’d be too expensive when they saw what Barcelona were prepared to do.
“So, they worked on the Ismael Saibari deal for about a year, and it was also the idea of Vincent Kompany after they played against PSV. In the end, they had to decide on Saibari. Cherki was not on the list.”
Excellent Start From Cherki Draws Early Comparisons to De Bruyne
During Pep Guardiola’s trophy-laden decade at the Etihad Stadium, he described Kevin De Bruyne as “irreplaceable” on several occasions, and while many can't argue against that statement, Cherki certainly has the ability to come close.
Throughout the 14 months he has spent in England, Cherki has highlighted a rare talent that comes with an exceptional ability to dribble the ball while looking composed as ever in congested areas.
Having played over 2,800 minutes in sky blue last season, the playmaker has already gained plenty of Premier League experience to complement his calmness, adapting with a unique quality that is hard to find.
And though he has a mountain of accolades to achieve if he indirectly wants to fill the shoes of De Bruyne, the excitement and thrill he brings to the pitch certainly mirror what the City legend showcased in his early years at the club.