Liverpool and Arsenal plot moves for Manchester City's Rayan Cherki

Liverpool and Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Manchester City's Rayan Cherki, valued at around £77m, according to TEAMtalk. The Reds could make a formal approach if the Frenchman becomes available next year, while Arsenal are prepared to revive their interest in January or next summer.

  • Player: Rayan Cherki
  • Current club: Manchester City
  • Interested clubs: Liverpool, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich
  • Valuation: Around £77m (Transfermarkt)
  • Contract: Until 2030
  • Stage: Rumour – no formal approach yet

Deal details

Cherki is valued at around £77m by Transfermarkt and still has a contract until 2030, meaning Manchester City would likely demand a huge fee to let him leave. Liverpool are reportedly interested and could make a formal approach if he becomes available next year. Arsenal, who were also interested this summer, are prepared to revive their interest in January or next summer.

Before signing Florian Wirtz this summer, Liverpool were interested in Cherki, but he ultimately decided to join Enzo Maresca's side. However, they haven't given up hope of purchasing him. Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich are also in this race.

Why Liverpool want a new creative midfielder

Although Dominik Szoboszlai helped the Reds win the Premier League title while playing as a creative midfielder during the 2024/25 campaign, Liverpool decided to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for a huge fee last year. Despite struggling to find his feet at Anfield thus far, Wirtz has continued to feature regularly in the No. 10 position. In six appearances across all competitions, he has registered a solitary assist this season.

As a result, it appears Liverpool have started exploring options to sign a new CAM. Meanwhile, Szoboszlai has played in different areas, including at right-back and in a box-to-box role. Cherki, a creative midfielder by trait who is also comfortable on the right flank, fits the profile of a player who could add guile to Liverpool's attack.

Arsenal's interest and current options

Arsenal currently have Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze as specialist CAM options, while Max Dowman can provide cover in this position if needed. So the North London club don't need a new No.10 unless anyone leaves. Their interest in Cherki is therefore contingent on outgoings or a change in circumstance.

The former Lyon star has shown glimpses of his qualities in the Premier League since moving to the Etihad Stadium from Olympique Lyonnais. He has also secured his place in France's star-studded squad. Speculation surrounding his future has started emerging following the Citizens being found guilty of breaching the Premier League's financial regulations.

Talking points

  • Liverpool spent big on Florian Wirtz but he has just one assist in six games – is Cherki the right fix, or should they persist with the German?
  • Arsenal already have Odegaard, Eze and Dowman – signing Cherki would be a luxury unless someone leaves first.
  • Manchester City's financial regulations breach could force a sale – would they really sell to a direct rival?
  • PSG, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern are also circling – can Liverpool or Arsenal win a six-club race?

What happens next

Liverpool and Arsenal will monitor Cherki's situation, with Arsenal ready to revive their interest in January or next summer. Manchester City's response to the financial regulations verdict and Cherki's own ambitions will shape whether a formal approach materialises. The battle for his signature could intensify if he becomes available.

Frequently asked questions

Is Rayan Cherki leaving Manchester City?

No official decision has been made, but speculation has emerged following Manchester City being found guilty of breaching the Premier League's financial regulations. Liverpool and Arsenal are reportedly interested if he becomes available.

How much would Rayan Cherki cost?

Cherki is valued at around £77m by Transfermarkt and has a contract until 2030, so Manchester City would likely demand a huge fee. No formal bid has been reported.

Which clubs are interested in Rayan Cherki?

Liverpool and Arsenal are reportedly interested, while Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich are also in the race.

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