From Real Madrid to City, Guardiola Wants Him Before Wirtz and Florentino Gives the OK

Rayan Cherki, from Olympique de Lyon, is once again at the center of transfer market rumors. For several summers, his name appeared on Real Madrid's list of potential signings, a club that followed his progress through scouts led by Juni Calafat. This monitoring was a personal recommendation from Zinédine Zidane, when he coached the first team between 2018 and 2021.

The former French coach was aware of his emerging talent and growth potential, but the soccer explosion of Vinícius and Rodrygo Goes would have prevented his arrival at Real Madrid. The current situation of Madrid's attack makes it clear that Rayan Cherki is no longer a priority. With the Brazilians becoming essential figures, along with the presence of alternatives like Brahim Díaz, Arda Güler, and Endrick, there is no real space for an additional signing.

From La Fábrica, interesting names like Gonzalo García are also starting to gain traction, which could complete the attack in the short term without needing to go to the market. This distance from Real Madrid for Rayan Cherki has left the path open for other elite European soccer teams to enter the race for the talented French forward. One of the most recognized is Manchester City according to "Football Transfers".

This website indicates that the sky blue entity would be exploring an agreement with the player, considering him key for the generational change that the team coached by Pep Guardiola is now facing. The need to rejuvenate the squad has become imperative after the recent departure of several key players like Kevin de Bruyne. Under these premises, the Catalan coach would have approved Cherki's incorporation.

Decision Made

Rayan Cherki has a contract with Olympique de Lyon until the summer of 2026 and a market value set at 35 million euros. His signing would be a feasible operation in every sense for the English squad, especially considering their almost infinite financial power.

Real Madrid certainly wouldn't be an obstacle in these attempts by the cityzens, since the roster of forwards in Santiago Bernabéu locker room is more than complete. The urgency of Olympique de Lyon to cash in to solve their economic and institutional problems would be another reason that would "push" Rayan Cherki to the Etihad Stadium locker room.

The lyonnais forward continues to show his excellent offensive qualities in Ligue 1, standing out for his speed, creativity, and excellent individual technique. These virtues would be essential for a Pep Guardiola who aims to completely renew his attack in the upcoming summer markets. From the Valdebebas offices, they are exploring other profiles.

The signing urgencies that Real Madrid currently has distance the white club from the forward position. With the center-back dilemma more relevant than ever, the merengue executives also don't forget the need to secure the services of a playmaking pivot to succeed Toni Kroos.