Manchester City are expected to make significant changes to their squad in the ongoing transfer window.
Man City head coach Pep Guardiola has already stated that 'new faces' will be coming to the Etihad this summer and one of the most prominent names on their transfer target list has been Olympique Lyonnais' Rayan Cherki.
Recently, reports suggested that Man City are set to offer their opening bid for Cherki in the upcoming week. And now, the Frenchman, who is contracted with Lyon until the end of June 2026, has shared his thoughts on his next destination.
When asked if Man City are a 'credible' option for him, Cherki responded (comments via @City_Xtra),
"All options are credible. For now I’m focused on the two important games we have to play with the [France] national team and we will see what happens after," he said.
Cherki then spoke about the criticism he has received, which included remarks about him being 'difficult to coach.'
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
What did Rayan Cherki say about critics ahead of his potential Man City move?
Cherki clarified (comments via @lequipe) that despite remarks claiming he is 'hard to deal with,' he does not 'feel like describing' himself.
"People don't know me very well, otherwise I'd be less criticised. When people really get to know me, more than a few are surprised. They hear things people sometimes try to make up and realise they're not true. I don't feel like describing myself - that's not my role," he said.
"People who know me are best to do that. I'm also talking about everything that's been made up, all the things people have said about me, my entourage, even though there's never been any incidents. I'm human, so of course positive and negative things can happen to me," Cherki added.
"People have sometimes said I'm hard to deal with, difficult to coach... That's not true. I've always stayed silent, I've never responded. I invite all my critics to name something real. They can think about it for a very, very, very long time," concluded the 21-year-old.
Rayan Cherki: "People don't know me very well, otherwise I'd be less criticised. When people really get to know me, more than a few are surprised.
— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) June 2, 2025
"They hear things people sometimes try to make up and realise they're not true. I don't feel like describing myself - that's not my…
While he has established himself as one of Lyon's most promising academy graduates, it remains to be seen if he arrives at City this summer and if so, how he fits in Guardiola's squad.
Manchester City news and related links
- Man City boss Pep Guardiola says 'new faces will come' ahead of summer transfer window
- Pep Guardiola gives verdict on Man City star duo amid uncertain future
- Man City star axed from Club World Cup squad amid sensational Man United link