Manchester City could move for Lyon teenager Rayan Cherki as they prepare for life without winger Riyad Mahrez.
Lyon star Rayan Cherki is a wanted man with Manchester City considering joining Chelsea in the race for his signature.
City are set to lose Riyad Mahrez as he nears a move to Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli in the coming days.
The Algerian will leave a major hole on the right side of the City side and it could get even worse for Pep Guardiola.
Bernardo Silva has often played on that flank but he is also being heavily linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium.
Phil Foden could play on the right side but it seems likely that City will be moving for another option in that area.
We are likely to see the rumours ramping up now as Mahrez closes in on his departure and one name has emerged.
Rayan Cherki an option for Manchester City
90Min have suggested that City are eyeing up a move for Lyon star Rayan Cherki.
It’s suggested that Cherki is on the City radar alongside Lyon teammate Bradley Barcola and Celta Vigo ace Gabri Veiga.
Cherki is a talented left-footer and his parents are even of Algerian descent, so there are some parallels to Mahrez.
Cherki mostly played as a central attacking midfielder last season though and Guardiola may need to develop him into a right-sided winger if he’s viewed as a Mahrez replacement.
The 19-year-old has immense talent on the ball and appears to have major potential if he can continue progressing.
TEAMtalk reported earlier in July that Chelsea have held talks over a deal to sign Cherki.
However, The Athletic state that Chelsea are now in talks to sign Mohammed Kudus from Ajax – another versatile, creative, left-footed talent.
Chelsea will surely only go for one or the other; signing both Cherki and Kudus would be a surprise.
That may leave the door open for City to move for Cherki, which would be a bold move if he is supposed to replace an experienced performer like Mahrez.
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