Manchester City have agreed personal terms with Rayan Cherki and are preparing a formal bid to Lyon in the coming hours, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Cityzens are looking to bolster their squad this summer after a disappointing campaign in which they finished third in the Premier League, while finishing trophyless for the first time since 2017 following defeat to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final.
Pep Guardiola is looking to replace long-time superstar Kevin De Bruyne, who will leave this summer, and French star Cherki has now emerged as the top target for the position.
Man City Agree Terms with Cherki
Formal bid expected in hours
Rayan Cherki in action for Lyon
Cherki, who had a sensational campaign with Lyon this season and has been described as "one of the most skilful players on Earth", is expected to leave the Ligue 1 club as they battle against financial issues.
The 21-year-old has a release clause in his contract worth around £25m, and City are expected to trigger that clause to bring the playmaker into the Etihad Stadium.
The clubs began talks over the weekend according to Romano, and will now advance with a formal offer "in the next hours", after finding an agreement on personal terms for a player who has been tipped to be a 'future Ballon d'Or winner'.
City are hoping to get a deal done in time for this month's FIFA Club World Cup, and have already agreed a deal with AC Milan to sign Tijjani Reijnders as Guardiola looks to complete a total overhaul of the squad.
Guardiola also wants to add new full-backs to the squad for the upcoming season with Kyle Walker set to leave permanently. Tino Livramento is said to be a target, although is expected to be difficult to complete, while a deal for Wolves star Rayan Ait-Nouri is edging closer to completion.
Rayan Cherki 24/25 Stats
Competition
Ligue 1
Europa League
French Cup
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All statistics courtesy of WhoScored - correct as of 04/06/2025.
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