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.

Lyon have advised Rayan Cherki to stay at the club for another year

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.

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Manchester City eye Bradley Barcola as potential Riyad Mahrez replacement

Manchester City are considering Lyon starlet Bradley Barcola as a potential replacement for Riyad

Mahrez, 90min understands.

The Cityzens have reluctantly accepted an offer of around £30m to sell Algerian forward Mahrez to Al Ahli, with the player

agreeing a £45m per year salary to join the Saudi Pro League outfit. Mahrez is due in Saudi Arabia to finalise his move in the

coming days.

With Mahrez on the move, and potentially Bernardo Silva following suit due to interest from both PSG and Barcelona, City

are now looking at options to bolster their midfield.

Sources have confirmed to 90min that Barcola is one of those they like, with the club having previously scouted the France

Under-21 international earlier in the season. 90min also understands that Barcola’s Lyon team-mate Rayan Cherki and Celta

Vigo sensation Gabri Veiga are on their radar too.

Barcola made his senior debut for Lyon back in January 2023, but instantly become a key player for the club – scoring five

goals and bagging eight assists in 25 Ligue 1 appearances. Despite Barcola’s lack of experience, 90min understands that

City’s scouts have been thoroughly impressed with the youngster.

City, though, are not the only admirers for the 20-year-old as Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig have also made enquiries

about Barcola’s potential availability this summer. Indeed, PSG are pushing hard to strike a deal and have already spoken

with his representative Jorge Mendes.

The forward has, however, recently admitted that he is keen to stay at OL beyond the current transfer window, saying: “I

need a season to confirm [my progress]. You mustn’t forget that I’ve only had six months. I feel good at OL.

“I hope I’ll continue to receive the coach’s confidence. I don’t know how the transfer window will go, but I don’t see why I

would leave. I need to have a good full season, where I’m a starter from the off.”

Lyon coach Laurent Blanc added his opinion that he does not think Barcola or Cherki, strongly linked with Chelsea too,

should be moving this summer.

“I may be a little selfish but Cherki didn’t have many games as a starter before the second half of the season,” he said.

“Cherki like Barcola, being called upon by a big club is one thing, but winning is another. I advise them to stay another year

in Lyon.”