Premier League giants Manchester City have reportedly begun the discussions to sign 21-year-old French playmaker Rayan Cherki from Lyon in the summer transfer window.

According to a report by the Daily Mail, Rayan Cherki is the subject of interest from Manchester City. The Citizens are keen on bolstering their creative options in the summer transfer window as they prepare for life after Kevin De Bruyne. So, the Lyon playmaker has emerged as a target for the Premier League club.

The Citizens have opened talks to sign the Frenchman in the summer transfer window, with Pep Guardiola giving the green light to submit a bid to secure his services. Lyon will demand around £35 million to part ways with Cherki in the summer transfer window.

Rayan Cherki and his rise to stardom

Rayan Cherki has established himself as one of the most sought-after midfielders in the world in the last 12 months. While the 21-year-old was already a highly-rated playmaker after breaking into Lyon’s first-team squad over half a decade ago, his stock has skyrocketed after an excellent 2024/25 season.

The French playmaker contributed to 32 goals in 44 appearances across all competitions, finding the back of the net 12 times and providing 20 assists. Meanwhile, Cherki’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs across Europe. A move to the Premier League may be on the cards, with Manchester City among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.

Premier League move on the horizon?

Manchester City’s interest in Rayan Cherki is understandable. The Citizens are preparing for life after Kevin De Bruyne, who will become a free agent when his contract expires on July 1. So, they need a new playmaker who can serve the club for a decade, with the Frenchman emerging as a viable target.

While the Olympics 2024 silver medalist initially had some concerns about joining Manchester City, he is reportedly ready to move to the Etihad in the summer transfer window. The Premier League giants have opened talks to sign the Lyon playmaker in the coming weeks, with the Ligue 1 club valuing him at £35 million.

Manchester City should have no qualms about coughing up £35 million to sign the 21-year-old French playmaker in the summer transfer window. So, it will be interesting to see how the negotiations between the two clubs progress in the coming weeks.