Manchester United enter the race to sign Lyon’s Rayan Cherki | OneFootball

Manchester United, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur are among the English clubs keeping a close eye on Lyon’s Rayan Cherki, whose impressive form has sparked significant transfer interest.

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder has registered 13 goal contributions in 24 appearances this season, making him one of Europe’s standout young talents.

He has been compared to Lionel Messi by Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas.

Cherki is reportedly available for a cut-price fee of €22 million, as Lyon face financial struggles compounded by the looming threat of relegation to Ligue 2.

While representatives of the Frenchman are actively seeking a move, the timing of a potential transfer remains uncertain.

According to Caughtoffside, Liverpool and Man United have enquired about Cherki but are reportedly hesitant to move during the January window due to logistical constraints.

Both clubs are said to prefer waiting until the summer to strengthen in Cherki’s position.

Spurs have also shown interest, but their priority remains acquiring a centre-back.

Despite their initial inquiries, Spurs are yet to make any formal approach for the Lyon ace. Meanwhile, Arsenal have been loosely linked with the player, though their focus for this window appears to be securing a reliable striker rather than a creative midfielder.

The competition for Cherki extends beyond England.

Bayern Munich is reportedly the most serious contender outside the Premier League, with Bayer Leverkusen and Paris Saint-Germain also expressing interest.

Like their English counterparts, the latter two clubs may wait until the summer to pursue Cherki more aggressively.

Serie A side Atalanta has shown a willingness to offer €20 million for the French midfielder during this window. However, Cherki is understood to be hesitant about a move to the Italian league, leaving Atalanta’s efforts in limbo.

Cherki’s availability at such a modest fee has been described as an “absolute bargain,” given his potential and current form.

With Lyon under pressure to sell, the next few days will be critical in determining whether the player will make an immediate switch or if clubs will battle it out for him in the summer transfer window.

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