Rayan Cherki has emerged as a concrete target for Man City but faces a tough decision ahead of a potential move, sources have told Football Insider,
The 21-year-old is expected to leave current club Lyon this summer, and is understood to have a release clause worth around £20million.
Man City have joined rivals Liverpool in the race to land the French Under-21 international, but the Reds are now closing in on their first choice attacking target Florian Wirtz.
However, Cherki is well aware he will only be a squad player should he sign on the dotted line at the Etihad Stadium – and his decision will be one that best serves his career in the long term.
Cherki wary over potential Man City switch
Playing under Pep Guardiola may also be a consideration for Cherki, with the very current example of Jack Grealish‘s situation dominating the headlines in recent weeks.
Grealish has confided to those close to him that he believed he had been “frozen out” by his manager, and he was encouraged to engineer a move away from City this summer.
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Guardiola’s playing style has been accused of stifling creative stars such Grealish – who is similar in profile to Cherki.
| Season | Appearances (all competitions) | Goals |
| 2022-23 | 39 | 5 |
| 2023-24 | 39 | 3 |
| 2024-25 | 44 | 12 |
A product of Lyon’s academy system, the young attacker has built a solid reputation as an effective dribbler with an eye for a key pass – attributes that City have embraced to good effect in the past.
Should he commit to a deal at the Etihad Stadium, however, the youngster will look for reassurances that he will get sufficient game time to show off his creative talents.
Newcastle emerge as potential option for Grealish
According to former Man United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown, one potential destination for Jack Grealish this summer could be Newcastle United.
“Eddie Howe wants to strengthen this squad because they’ve not been able to spend much in recent windows, and he would add quality and experience to the team,” he told Football Insider.
“A move Newcastle could allow him to keep playing in the Champions League and in the Premier League if they can get it done.”
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