Manchester United are reportedly in a four-team battle for Lyon attacker Rayan Cherki, with the Frenchman widely expected to be on the move when this summer’s transfer window closes for business.
Cherki has had a standout 2024-25 campaign for Lyon, scoring 12 goals and registering 20 assists in 44 appearances in all competitions, including eight goals and 11 assists in 30 outings in France’s top flight.
The 21-year-old’s contract with his French club is due to expire in June 2026, though, and there is currently a host of speculation surrounding his future, with clubs from the Premier League said to be keen on his services.
Man United watched Cherki closely during their recent Europa League quarter-final with Lyon, and it is understood that the 20-time English champions are keen to secure his signature during the summer market.
According to Fichajes, there is also interest from Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace, with the three clubs also battling to bring him to England’s top flight for the 2025-26 season.
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Man United, Villa, Spurs, Palace ‘all keen on Cherki’
The report claims that Lyon are willing to let Cherki leave for as little as €22m (£18.5m) due to their financial problems, which would make him one of the most attractive transfers during the upcoming market.
Cherki has 29 goals and 45 assists in 185 appearances for Lyon, while he has represented the French club in both the Champions League and Europa League, but the attacker is yet to earn a senior cap for France.
There are unlikely to be many better value-for-money signings than Cherki this summer, but he is likely to give priority to teams operating in the Champions League, which would rule Palace out of the running.
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Will Tottenham, Villa or Man United qualify for next season’s Champions League?
Tottenham are 17th in the Premier League table, while Man United are 16th, with the two clubs having disastrous seasons in England’s top flight, but there is still a route for them to qualify for the 2025-26 Champions League.
Indeed, the two teams will lock horns in the Europa League final on Wednesday night, with the victor securing the trophy and also a position at the top table in Europe next term, so there is plenty on the line.
Villa, meanwhile, are fifth in the Premier League table, which would see them qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Unai Emery‘s side are level on points with third-placed Newcastle United, but they sit just one point ahead of sixth-placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand, while seventh-placed Nottingham Forest are only one point off Villa.
The Lions will finish their 2024-25 league season with a trip to Old Trafford next Sunday to tackle Man United.
