Manchester United are reportedly keen to add another number ten to Ruben Amorim’s squad as a deal draws closer for Matheus Cunha, with long-term target Rayan Cherki signalling his intention to leave Olympique Lyonnais this summer.
Cherki, 21, has emerged as one of the best creators in Europe this season after an impressive campaign for Les Gones with a host of clubs across the continent keeping tabs on him.
The French starlet has scored 12 times and provided a staggering 20 assists in 44 games, ranking him as one of the most effective attackers across the top five leagues.
Cherki’s talent has never been in doubt. He was widely seen as one of the best prospects in French football as a teenager but concerns over his attitude and application were raised as became a first-team player for Lyon.
But this season the attacking midfielder appears to have finally made things click and his output on the pitch is reflecting the ridiculous skillset he possesses.
A gentleman’s agreement between Lyon and Cherki was believed to be in place to enable the 21-year-old’s departure in the January transfer window if a €22.5 million bid arrived.
Borussia Dortmund matched this offer but it was promptly rejected by the Ligue 1 side with owner John Textor describing it as “disrespectfully communicated, well below market value and at the wrong time”.
Cherki was keen to make the switch to Germany and communicated this intention to Lyon’s executive branch but the club were adamant he would not leave without time for a replacement to be sourced.
Lyon are more receptive to Cherki’s departure this summer but will expect a better offer than the €22.5 million price previously agreed with the 21-year-old. He has one year remaining on his contract at the Groupama Stadium but this will be extended if the attacker is not sold by September 1.
However, Cherki appeared to signal his intention to leave Lyon this summer after the final game of the season – a 2-0 win over Angers – stating, “Thanks to OL, the coach, the staff, the president, my teammates and all people at the club.”
United have a long-standing interest in Cherki, having tracked the attacking midfielder since he was an academy player. But the 21-year-old’s form this year has seen the Red Devils linked with a move as the club searches for more options to upgrade Ruben Amorim’s squad.
Fabrizio Romano reveals a host of English teams are interested in Cherki this summer while the Italian transfer guru expects Dortmund to revisit their failed pursuit in the winter window. Romano rules out a switch to Paris Saint-Germain, however, contending the Ligue 1 champions “are not interested in advancing on a deal”.
United are close to finalising a deal for Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha who has emerged as the club’s primary target for the attacking midfield role. However, Romano states United remain interested in “one more addition for the number ten position” but that any move will likely be dependent on sales.
And while Cherki’s price is expected to be higher than the previous price of €22.5 million (£19m), it is unlikely to extend to a ridiculous fee that United could not match if the correct players are shifted in the opposite direction.
Featured image Michael Steele via Getty Images
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Darragh Fox
Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
