France's forward Rayan Cherki reacts
Manchester City summer transfer target Rayan Cherki has spoken
(Image: FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
French attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki, who has been linked with joining Manchester City this summer, has put all transfer talk on hold for the time being.
City are stepping up their summer recruitment drive with the window now open. As the Manchester Evening News reported, they are involved in the £50m pursuit of Wolves left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri, but AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders and Lyon's creative spark Cherki are players they remain intent on.
But joining up with the French national team this week for the UEFA Nations League finals, the 21-year-old has now placed his focus on these upcoming matches instead of securing his long-term future.
"All the possibilities are credible," Cherki replied when asked if Man City are a viable option at Monday's press conference.
"But there are two important matches with the French team. When the question comes up, I'll ask it.
"It won't affect the start of my training camp. I'm not looking at what's happening elsewhere."
France play Spain on Thursday night in the semi-finals of the competition and if victorious, they will meet either Germany or Portugal in Sunday's final. The overall winner qualifies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, so Cherki's commitment is commendable.
And that can be said of him throughout the 2024/25 campaign in general, playing for Lyon whilst speculation about his future was rife.
Despite the noise, he still managed 12 goals and 20 assists in all competitions, a big factor in why he is tipped to help replace Kevin de Bruyne.
A possible departure from Lyon has been tipped at around £20-25m, with his destination still to be determined.
Before his press conference, the midfield target had spoken in further detail about his summer transfer plans with L'Equipe.
"I'll be the only one to decide my future; no one will decide for me how, why, or where. I don't want to suffer. There are a lot of players suffering, but time passes quickly. I hope in 10 or 15 years I'll be able to say I'm proud of myself and my choices," he explained.
"I need to be talked to about football, football and more football. Pure and simple.
"I’m ready for any system. I work every day, physically and mentally, to be ready. Above all, I’m trying to choose the best option for me, to develop as a person and a footballer."
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