Rayan Cherki is Man City-bound! Pep Guardiola & Co. strike transfer agreement for Lyon & France sensation

After losing Kevin De Bruyne ahead of the Club World Cup, City have been on the hunt for a suitable replacement for the Belgian with an eye on returning to form at the Club World Cup. Lyon and France sensation Cherki fits the bill and the eight-time Premier League champions have been fighting to sign the midfielder ahead of the tournament in the United States later this month.

French publication L'Equipe has now reported that City struck a deal with Lyon on Monday afternoon to sign Cherki. The Citizens made a fairly low opening bid of €22.5 million (£18.9m/$25.6m) but saw it rejected. Their second bid, however, has now been accepted by Les Gones withThe Athletic having reported that the fee is in the region of €40m (£33.7m/$45.6m).

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The report adds that Cherki is set to sign a new deal until the summer of 2030, with the Frenchman set to be on board the Citizens' plane to the United States later this week for the Club World Cup.

Manchester City will kick off their Club World Cup campaign when they take on Moroccan side Wydad AC on Wednesday, May 19, and it is possible that Cherki may get minutes off the bench as he will be looking to settle into rhythm with Guardiola's squad.