Manchester City Agree Personal Terms with Lyon’s Rayan Cherki Ahead of Summer Transfer

Manchester City have reached a full agreement on personal terms with Rayan Cherki as they move closer to making him their next major signing of the summer. The club is preparing to submit an official offer to Olympique Lyon in the coming hours as talks between the two clubs intensify.

WHAT HAPPENED?

After making Cherki a priority in their summer rebuild, Manchester City have now secured an agreement with the 21-year-old French midfielder on contract terms. This marks a significant step forward in their pursuit, with only a transfer fee needing to be agreed with Lyon. Negotiations began over the weekend, and City are poised to send their first formal bid to Lyon, who are reportedly willing to sell Cherki this summer rather than risk losing him for free next year when his contract expires.

The midfielder, who is approaching 200 appearances for Lyon, has been targeted by City as they look to refresh their squad following key departures.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Cherki is seen as the preferred replacement for Kevin De Bruyne, who has left Manchester City after an iconic spell featuring six Premier League titles and a legendary assist record. City have already secured the signing of Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan for around €70 million this week as part of a major midfield overhaul.

This past season, Lyon finished outside France’s European places, ending eighth in Ligue 1, while Cherki contributed with 5 goals and 7 assists across all competitions. City, meanwhile, finished second in the Premier League, five points behind champions Arsenal, and are rebuilding to reclaim domestic and European dominance. The club is also set to participate in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, with Group G fixtures starting later this month.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR MAN CITY AND CHERKI?

Manchester City’s next step is to finalize an agreement with Lyon over the transfer fee, with reports suggesting Cherki’s price could be in the region of €40 million. An official bid is expected shortly, and City hope to integrate the talented midfielder before the Club World Cup campaign begins. The Premier League side will play their opening group match against Palmeiras, who recently won the Brazilian Série A.

Meanwhile, Lyon are expected to use the funds to strengthen their squad after a disappointing league campaign, as they prepare to challenge domestically next season. With Cherki close to a move, City fans will be eager to see how he adapts to English football and fills the void left by the legendary De Bruyne.