Manchester City - Man City
As per latest transfer news, Arsenal and Liverpool could renew their interest in Rayan Cherki. Manchester City may be forced to sell players after being found guilty of financial breaches.
Why Rayan Cherki is attracting top clubs
As reported by TEAMtalk, Arsenal and Liverpool are keen on Cherki if City are forced into sales. Cherki is not the only City name drawing interest, but his age, skill and contract make him stand out. City were found guilty of almost all of the 115 charges over Premier League financial breaches. The club deny any wrongdoing and say they will appeal, while sanctions are yet to be decided. So there is no confirmed need to sell, and any move stays a rumour for now.
Rayan Cherki joined City from Lyon in June 2025 for an initial fee of around £30 million. He signed a deal until 2030, giving the club a strong hand in any talks. Since moving to the Etihad, he has become one of Man City’s most creative players. Only Bruno Fernandes and Raphinha created more than his 125 chances at Lyon in 2024-25 across Europe’s top five leagues. Playing centrally or wide makes him a safer buy than a pure number ten with only one role. At 23, he is young enough to hold his value, so City would demand a high price.
Cherki’s 2026/27 stats at Man City so far, as per FOTMOB:
Competition Appearances Goals Assists Chances created
Premier League 5 3 2 12
EFL Cup 1 1 0 2
UCL 1 0 0 1
How Cherki could fit at Liverpool and Arsenal
The Reds are well acquainted with Cherki, having chased him hard well before his move to City. Liverpool even travelled to meet him in person during their chase, which shows how serious they were. At Anfield, he could add a creative link between midfield and attack against teams that sit deep. Such teams give little room, so a player who can find passes in small pockets becomes a real asset.
For Arsenal, the appeal is in crowded central areas, where rivals defend with many players close together. A player who can take the ball under pressure and turn quickly can split that defence with one pass. Cherki likes to work between the lines, which can drag markers out of shape and free teammates. Playing him carries risk, because a free creator can leave gaps behind him when the ball is lost. Both managers would first need to decide whether he plays through the middle or starts from the flank.
Manchester City - Man City
Manchester City - Man City
The rivals and City’s next move
Liverpool and Arsenal would not be alone if Cherki left City, as top football clubs are watching. Paris Saint-Germain have stayed keen and could see a chance to bring him home to Ligue 1. Real Madrid could reportedly target as many as six City players, Cherki included, while Barcelona have tracked him. Bayern Munich were previously tied to him, which makes the queue of potential buyers lengthy. PSG may be the biggest threat to English clubs, as a return home could appeal to him.
The January window is the next big test, as several clubs are already planning for it. If City win their challenge or escape heavy penalties, Cherki will likely stay and rivals will move on. If harsh sanctions follow, City may have to sell, and Cherki would be one of their top assets. From a tactical view, his next move may depend as much on City’s legal fight as on his form.