Cherki makes transfer decision after Man Utd and Chelsea talks

Cameron Smith
Cameron Smith
  • Updated: 23 May 2025 07:29 CDT
  • 4 min read
Rayan Cherki, Man Utd, Lyon
© IMAGO

Olympique Lyonnais star Rayan Cherki has reportedly held talks with a host of Premier League clubs, including Chelsea and Manchester United, ahead of a potential move this summer.

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The 21-year-old, who was included in the senior France squad for the first time on Wednesday, has all but confirmed that he will leave Lyon before the start of the 2025-26 campaign, and he has set his sights on a move to England.

Current ETV
Player image R. Cherki
R. Cherki

AM (R), M (CR)

Lyon logo

Lyon

R. Cherki
R. Cherki

AM (R), M (CR)

Lyon

Lyon

€37.2M

ETV Range

€33.5M - €40.9M

Cherki has attracted significant interest from a host of clubs across Europe, but he is eager to join a team in the Premier League this summer, according to TBR Football.

The Frenchman’s representatives have reportedly already held talks with the likes of Aston Villa, Chelsea, Liverpool, Man Utd, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur ahead of a possible summer switch, while Arsenal are among the clubs to have scouted Cherki this season.

The Lyon star notched 12 goals and provided 20 assists in 44 appearances across all competitions during the 2024-25 campaign, while he was voted as the Europa League’s Young Player of the Year following a string of sublime performances en route to the quarter-final stage.

Rayan Cherki, Lyon
© IMAGO - Rayan Cherki, Lyon

Rayan Cherki to leave Lyon?

Man Utd hold a “strong interest” in Cherki, as per Sky Germany, while Chelsea have reportedly joined the race for his signature, despite the imminent summer arrivals of Kendry Paez and Estevao Willian.

Cherki is also wanted by Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund, who were close to agreeing a deal for the Frenchman during the January transfer window. However, the 21-year-old reportedly wants to test himself in the Premier League.

Widespread rumours claim that Cherki will depart Lyon if they receive an offer worth €22.5 million, due to a release clause included in his current deal, despite the fact his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) stands at €37.2m.

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