Manchester City's deal to sign an "incredible" star is now advancing following positive talks, and he can't wait to seal a move to the Etihad Stadium, according to a report.
Man City planning to move swiftly in the transfer market
Man City's season ended on May 25th, with a 2-0 victory at Fulham securing qualification for next season's Champions League, but this year it is a very quick turnaround, as they return to action on June 18th, taking on Wydad Casablanca in the new-look Club World Cup.
As such, chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has confirmed that City are looking to get new signings through the door as soon as possible.
"I can tell you today, we have clearly identified who exactly are the targets, in what positions, and we have our clear number one option, our clear number two option. And we’ll go about our business, and it will be very clear, very swift."
Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, former player Mike Summerbee and CEO Ferran Soriano
With the transfer window now open for an initial 10 days, in order to allow teams to register players for the Club World Cup, Pep Guardiola's side are looking to get a deal done for an attacking midfielder, with Kevin De Bruyne seemingly heading to Napoli.
That is according to a report from GiveMeSport, which states productive discussions have now been held over a deal for Lyon's Rayan Cherki, which means the move could be wrapped up in a matter of days.
Rayan Ait-Nouri Related
Man City extensively scouting £100m+ star alongside Ait-Nouri transfer
The Citizens are making some statement moves as they look to reclaim the Premier League title.
Cherki can't wait to seal a move to the Etihad Stadium, and the deal is now edging closer to completion, with Lyon looking to hold out for a fee of £35m.
City are hoping to complete the move prior to flying out to the United States for the Club World Cup, and they are also confident about striking an agreement for AC Milan's Tijjani Reijnders.
Cherki-Lyon-Man-Utd
"Incredible" Cherki could be ideal De Bruyne heir
Florian Wirtz was heavily linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium, but there were concerns about the total package amounting to around £253m all-in, so signing the Lyon star could be a savvy move, as it would free up funds to strengthen other areas of the squad.
Not only that, but there are plenty of signs the Frenchman could be an ideal heir for De Bruyne, most notably ranking in the 99th percentile for assists and shot-creating actions per 90 over the past year, when compared to other attacking midfielders.
At 21-years-old, the "incredible" starlet is at a good age to be a long-term success at the Etihad Stadium, and his attacking numbers for Lyon this season are arguably already approaching world-class level.
Competition Appearances Goals Assists
Ligue 1 30 8 11
Europa League 12 4 8
Coupe de France 2 0 1
Cherki could be a fantastic signing at just £35m, and it is promising news that a deal could be wrapped up before City jet out for the Club World Cup.