Liverpool boss Arne Slot flew to south of France last week for talks with Rayan Cherki – honouring meeting scheduled before Florian Wirtz chase accelerated.
The latest reports on Rayan Cherki’s potential transfer to Liverpool indicate significant interest but suggest he is not the primary target. Liverpool head coach Arne Slot reportedly met with Cherki in the south of France last week, honouring a pre-scheduled meeting, though the club’s focus has shifted to Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, for whom they have tabled a bid.
Cherki, a 21-year-old Lyon attacking midfielder, is seen as a backup option if the Wirtz deal falls through.
He believes he would fit well in Liverpool’s system, and his release clause is reportedly around €22.5m (£19m), making him a cost-effective target. However, Liverpool’s pursuit of Cherki may depend on selling a current forward, with names like Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez mentioned in transfer rumors.
Manchester City are also strongly linked with Cherki, with some reports claiming he has expressed a desire to join them, potentially for a fee around €40m. Other clubs, including Manchester United, Tottenham, Aston Villa, Borussia Dortmund, and AC Milan, are also in the race. Posts on X reflect mixed sentiment, with some suggesting Cherki has said yes to Manchester City, while others note Liverpool’s long-term interest but current prioritization of Wirtz.
Thierry Henry has praised Cherki’s talent but highlighted a need for defensive improvement, which could influence Liverpool’s considerations. Lyon reportedly aim to secure at least €40m, hoping to spark a bidding war. For now, Liverpool’s focus remains on Wirtz, and any move for Cherki appears conditional on other transfer developments.