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It would be fair to say that Manchester City and Liverpool’s ambition has already intercepted each other this summer transfer window.
Manchester City has already withdrawn from the race for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz,
The Premier League runners-up deemed the financial package – estimated at €300 million (including transfer fees and wages) – too steep, despite Wirtz’s status as one of Europe’s most coveted playmakers.
BBC Sport revealed City’s reluctance to engage in a “bidding war.”
This extends to Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez, with both clubs targeting the Hungarian left-back to address defensive needs.
Liverpool emerged as early favourites, holding talks with Kerkez’s representatives as well as club-to-club contact with Bournemouth.
But Manchester City are said to have made a late entry with Pep Guardiola’s side making inquiries and positioning themselves as “genuine rivals”.
And now this overlapping of transfer targets could continue.
The Telegraph has now revealed that the Cityzens have added Rayan Cherki to their list of potential summer acquisitions.
After abandoning their pursuit of Wirtz due to the German’s €150 million+ valuation, City shifted focus to Cherki, whose £20–25 million release clause aligns with their financial pragmatism.
According to the report, Guardiola sees the Lyon academy product as a potential replacement for Kevin De Bruyne, who departed on a free transfer, and a creative solution amid doubts over Jack Grealish’s future.
Cherki’s 12 goals and 20 assists in 2024/25—including a standout Europa League campaign.
Liverpool have been linked to the Frenchman as recently as this month, but seems unlikely to materialize with Wirtz as the priority for the No.10 position.
The Reds’ prior links to Cherki date back to as far back as 2023, with his versatility (capable as a No. 10 or winger) appealing.
However, Liverpool’s priority remains Wirtz, leaving Cherki as a secondary option unless negotiations stall.
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