Manchester United are reportedly preparing to go head-to-head with Tottenham Hotspur for the signature of Lyon attacker Rayan Cherki during this summer’s transfer window.
Cherki has been in outstanding form for his French club during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring 12 goals and registering 19 assists in 41 appearances in all competitions, including eight goals and 10 assists in 27 Ligue 1 matches.
The 21-year-old also managed four goals and eight assists in 12 Europa League outings, as Lyon reached the quarter-finals of the competition before being spectacularly eliminated by Manchester United.
There is currently a host of speculation surrounding Cherki’s future, as his contract is due to expire in June 2026, and Les Gones are said to be willing to sell him for the right price during the upcoming market.
According to CaughtOffside, Man United and Spurs are currently leading the race for Cherki, with the pair potentially battling for his signature during the summer market.
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Man United, Spurs ‘battling’ for Cherki deal
The report claims that Bayern Munich are also showing an interest, but the expectation is that he will make the move to the Premier League.
Lyon allegedly want in the region of €35m (£30m) for Cherki, who has also been linked with AC Milan, Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen.
The Frenchman starred during both legs of Lyon’s Europa League quarter-final against Man United, scoring in the first match in France before finding the back of the net in the reverse game in Manchester.
Man United head coach Ruben Amorim is believed to have been impressed with Cherki’s performance against his side, and his affordable price tag has made him a genuine target for the 20-time English champions this summer.
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Where would Cherki fit into Amorim’s XI?
It is not difficult to understand why Man United are keen on Cherki considering that he is perfect for one of the number 10 spots in Amorim’s 3-4-3 system, with huge changes planned in the attacking department this summer.
Antony, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford are all set to leave, while Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho could both be sold for the right price, with Amorim looking to bring in system players ahead of next season.
Wolverhampton Wanderers‘ Matheus Cunha is viewed as the leading target, with Man United extremely confident when it comes to signing the Brazil international, while Crystal Palace‘s Eberechi Eze is also admired.
A new centre-forward will also be required, with Ipswich Town‘s Liam Delap believed to be a firm target due to the presence of a £30m release clause, but a deal for Sporting Lisbon‘s Viktor Gyokeres is still thought to be a possibility.
