Man City identify preferred replacement for Kevin De Bruyne ahead of 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
Fabrizio Romano believes Rayan Cherki is the player that Manchester City have identified as their replacement for outgoing midfield legend Kevin De Bruyne.
Cherki has established himself as an influential part of Olymique Lyonnais' midfield over the past five seasons but still only turns 22 later this year, allowing him to grow into a role with the Sky Blues should a move take place.
City, who headline Group G of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, have a massive hole to fill with De Bruyne having played his last match for the Premier League giants, and Romano reports interest from Pep Guardiola's staff in the young France attacking midfielder as part of an expected summer squad overhaul.
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"Rayan Cherki is the favourite [transfer target for City]," Romano said Tuesday on DAZN Transfer by Fabrizio Romano, a new programme hosted by the leader in transfer market journalism.
"He's a player they love in terms of quality, in terms of potential also. He's a player they believe can develop a lot in the future.
"And so the negotiation is starting between Manchester City and Olympique Lyon. The official bid will come soon."
Cherki has one more year left on his current contract and he is closing in on 200 appearances across all competitions for Lyon.
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'DAZN Transfer by Fabrizio Romano' will be broadcast live daily from June 3 to 10 at 19:30 BST, just before the start of the Club World Cup, and can be followed for free on DAZN.