(FILES) Lyon's French midfielder #18 Rayan Cherki celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Europa League Quarter final first leg football match between Olympique Lyonnais (OL) and Manchester United at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais Groupama stadium in Decines-Charpieu, central-eastern France, on April 10, 2025. Lyon's French midfielder Rayan Cherki selected for the first time, for the French National team for the "Final Four", on May 21, 2025. (Photo by Olivier CHASSIGNOLE / AFP) (Photo by OLIVIER CHASSIGNOLE/AFP via Getty Images)
Rayan Cherki is wanted by Manchester City and Liverpool (AFP via Getty)
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has held talks with Lyon midfielder Rayan Cherki, according to reports.
Cherki has been Lyon’s talisman this season with eight goals and 11 assists in Ligue 1, plus a further four goals and eight assists in the Europa League.
However, Lyon financial difficulties mean that the French club are forced to listen to offers for the 21-year-old this summer.
Manchester City have already held extensive talks to sign Cherki with Pep Guardiola keen to add more creativity to his midfield following the departure of Kevin De Bruyne.
Liverpool and Manchester United have also been linked with a move for Cherki, who earned his first senior call-up for France ahead of their Nations League semi-final against Spain on Thursday.
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According to The Athletic, Slot left his holiday last week in order to travel to the south of France for a meeting with Cherki.
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Arne Slot left his holiday for a meeting with Rayan Cherki (Reuters)
The report claims that Slot’s talks with Cherki took place before Liverpool intensified their efforts to sign Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz.
City, however, are said to be ‘hopeful’ that they can secure a deal to sign Cherki.
It’s understood that Lyon are demanding at least €40 million for the 21-year-old.
In an interview with L’Equipe this week, Cherki was asked about how he would adapt if he joined either City or Liverpool.
‘I’m ready for any system. I work every day, physically and mentally, to be ready,’ Cherki said.
‘Above all, I’m trying to choose the best option for me, to develop as a person and a footballer.
Cherki was also asked if he believes he is making the right decision to leave Lyon this summer.
‘You’re never sure of anything. But I’ll say it: I did what I wanted to do at OL, be a true Lyonnais and give everything for my club,’ Cherki said.
‘I didn’t leave the ship in difficulty. I stayed, I gritted my teeth. I cried, I laughed, I was scared. But a man has to be like that, it’s part of his DNA. Even when it’s hard, even when you cry, even when you’re scared, you have to go to war for your club.’
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