France international Rayan Cherki appears to have confirmed which Premier League club he will be joining after reports Liverpool could hijack his move to Manchester City.
On Thursday night, Euro 2024 champions Spain claimed a narrow win over France in a thrilling 5-4 Nations League semi-final at Stuttgart's MHP Arena.
During the match, several top players who have recently been linked with a move to the Premier League were in action, including Nico Williams, Martin Zubimendi and Cherki.
Of the three, perhaps the most interest centreed around Lyon star Cherki, who has recently been linked with both Manchester City and Liverpool in recent days, leaving his future uncertain.
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But now, Cherki has spoken out to address the rumours and confirm which club he plans to join during the summer transfer window.
Ahead of the match, reports claimed that Cherki had agreed personal terms with City, who will reportedly trigger the £25million release clause in his current Lyon contract.
And when asked about the rumour after Thursday's match, the 21-year-old appeared to confirm the news, telling Telefoot, via Fabrizio Romano: "Yes… it’s getting done. But you already know my answer, everybody knows.
"But there's still a game to play. Now we have to enjoy and give everything, but after it will be done."
With personal terms agreed and a release clause in place, it seems to be only a matter of time before Cherki's move to City will be confirmed, despite Liverpool boss Arne Slot reportedly travelling to meet him and his team last week.
The French international predominantly plays as a right winger, and it's no surprise that Pep Guardiola is keen on signing him this summer after he has put in several impressive performances this season.
During Thursday's match against Spain, Cherki came off the bench shortly after the hour mark and yet quickly made an impact, scoring a goal before assisting another less than 10 minutes later.
For Ligue 1 club Lyon, who he has played for throughout his entire career so far, Cherki made 44 appearances in all competitions, scoring 12 goals and registering 20 assists.
Topics: Manchester City, Liverpool, Transfer News, Premier League, Football, Lyon, Transfers, Ligue 1
Ben McCrum