Manchester City are reportedly starting initial discussions for a potential summer transfer move for Rayan Cherki.
The Lyon attacking midfielder is highly sought after on the market this year, with clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, and Liverpool also linked.
His current contract reportedly includes a release clause of just €22.5 million (£19 million).
The 21-year-old previously indicated his intention to depart the Ligue 1 club after the conclusion of the 2024/25 season.
Man City Initiate Rayan Cherki Transfer Talks
According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City have decided to initiate talks for Cherki as part of their squad rebuilding plans for the upcoming season.
Following Kevin De Bruyne`s departure, Cherki is considered a top target alongside Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest.
The club`s focus on these two players comes after deciding a move for Florian Wirtz was too costly. The Bayer Leverkusen star is expected to join Liverpool for a fee exceeding €100 million (£83.9 million) including add-ons.
Cherki has been regarded as one of the most promising young talents in European football for several years and recently completed his most productive season for Lyon.
He registered eight goals and 11 assists in Ligue 1, although this wasn`t enough for Lyon to secure Champions League qualification, finishing three points outside the top four.
Cherki also contributed four goals and eight assists during their Europa League campaign, where they reached the quarter-finals before being dramatically eliminated by Premier League side Manchester United.
