TBR Football can exclusively confirm that Rayan Cherki has taken a step closer to deciding his next club amid interest from the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool.
Rayan Cherki has enjoyed a standout season for Lyon, which has seen him become a target for a number of the Premier League’s elite clubs.
In 44 games, Cherki bagged 12 goals and a staggering 20 assists in all competitions for his club, including four goals and eight assists in the Europa League.
TBR Football can now confirm that Cherki has narrowed down his options to one league as two clubs have emerged as frontrunners.
Photo by Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Photo by Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Rayan Cherki wants Premier League move as bitter rivals emerge as frontrunners
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has confirmed that Cherki has snubbed offers from around Europe in the last week as he believes he is heading to England.
Bundesliga duo Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig have shown an interest, along with Serie A side Atalanta – but he wants England.
The likes of Everton and Crystal Palace were keen, but he has his sights set on joining one of the Premier League’s bigger clubs.
Tottenham Hotspur have held talks over Cherki, while Newcastle United made enquiries.
Liverpool were keen and remain in contact, but Florian Wirtz is the Reds’ priority.
TBR Football can confirm that the two leading clubs are Manchester United and Manchester City.
Man United have a deal done for Matheus Cunha, but they are in the market for another offensive talent together with a striker.
The Red Devils had also been talking to Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, but Cherki is somewhat cheaper at around £25million.
However, with Kevin De Bruyne leaving, James McAtee leaving and doubts over Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish’s long-term futures… City have now come in strong.
It is believed Lyon will honour an agreement they had with Cherki to let him leave for less than £25million.
The ‘wizard’ likened to Lionel Messi
At just 21 years of age, Cherki has shown he has what it takes to impress at the highest level – and chances are he’s still nowhere near his best.
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas said of Cherki earlier this year, as per Goal.com: “Cherki is comparable to Messi in terms of technical quality.”
Meanwhile, Lyon teammate Ainsley Maitland-Niles said of Cherki: “He is the best natural talent I’ve ever seen.
“An absolute master, a wizard with the ball.
“He’s taking chances, assists and dragging us up the pitch by taking people on and nutmegging them – he is a genius.
“He is two-footed, has no fear, keeps going and going, can get past people with such ease, such finesse.
“He is now working for the team off the ball and has gone to another level this season.”