Manchester United want to sign Olympique Lyonnais starlet Rayan Cherki “as soon as possible” to win the red-hot race for 21-year-old midfielder, according to a report.
Cherki has enjoyed an breakout year for Lyon, scoring 12 goals and providing 20 assists in all competitions this season.
While the attacking midfielder’s quality has never been in doubt, as he possesses one of the most gifted skillsets in all of European football, there have been question marks over his attitude and application.
But Cherki appears to have ironed these out this season, demonstrating a consistency as the creative heartbeat of Lyon’s team that he has previously been unable to match.
The French international has one year remaining on his contract at the Groupama Stadium, though a 12 month extension is triggered if is not sold this summer.
Cherki has already publicly signalled his intention to leave, however, with a host of clubs across Europe interested in signing him.
United are joined in the hunt by Premier League rivals Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund, who came close to signing Cherki in January.
But Fichajes contends the Red Devils are set to strike first and want to sign the 21-year-old midfielder “as soon as possible” to arm Ruben Amorim with a “new magician”.
The report states, “at Old Trafford, they see Cherki as the ‘new magician’ who can restore the spark to Mancunian’s attack, an area where inspiration has been lacking this season.
“Cherki, for his part, has already made it clear that his time at Lyon is over. The player has made no secret of his desire to move on to a more ambitious project, and everything points to his summer departure being a matter of time. With a current contract, the French club could look to cash in on one of their favourites before the player enters the final year of his contract.
“United are convinced Cherki can make a difference in the Premier League. His vision, dribbling, and ability to unbalance make him a profile that’s lacking in the current squad. Barring any setbacks, Manchester United will soon pursue his signing. The theatre of dreams wants a new magician.”
United’s disappointing 1-0 defeat in the Europa League final last night means the club will not receive the significant financial boost European football brings next season. As such, the club’s budget will reduced this summer and more cost-effective options pursued in the transfer market.
This makes the prospect of a signing like Cherki – a player who will not cost the exorbitant prices the Reds are being demanded for attackers in the Premier League – an even more attractive one.
Featured image Michael Steele via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
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.
