Man City have identified Rayan Cherki as a potential replacement for Riyad Mahrez.
That’s according to 90min, who have reported that Pep Guardiola’s side see Cherki as one of a number of players they could bring in this summer if Mahrez leaves.
Sky Sports have already confirmed that the Algerian’s £30 million move to Al-Ahli is on the verge of completion, with Mahrez due for his medical in the next few days.
After bagging around 150 goal contributions during his five year stint at the Etihad Stadium, Man City desperately need to fill his boots before next month’s opener against Burnley.
Cherki has since emerged as a target for City and they are considering joining Chelsea in their pursuit of the teenager.
The midfielder made his debut for Lyon at only 16 years old and went onto make history when he became the youngest-ever player to feature in the Champions League semi-final when he was subbed on against Bayern Munich in August 2020.
Cherki has since featured heavily for the senior team and has attracted interest after a stellar campaign that saw him claim ten goal contributions in Ligue 1.
Recent reports have revealed that Chelsea are also very interested in signing Cherki following Christian Pulisic’s move to AC Milan, with ESPN claiming the Frenchman is eager to move to Stamford Bridge.
However, Lyon coach Laurent Blanc has advised Rayan Cherki against leaving the French outfit this summer, despite increasing interest from the Premier League.
Speaking to French newspaper Le Progres on the futures of Castello Lukeba and Cherki, the 57-year-old said: “OL must say, okay if these are figures at an impressive level, but on the other hand at this price (27 million), I tell him to stay one more year in Lyon.
“I’d really mind if he left. It’s the same for Cherki. Especially since we made room for them. It would be a little early, but maybe I’m being a little selfish.”
However, the Daily Mail have claimed Lyon’s difficult financial position means they would be willing to part ways with Cherki if they received a reasonable offer. Reports have claimed Lyon are hoping to rake in around £43m from his departure
